The Benefit of The Doubt


So, you've probably heard that Dixie Carter passed away last week... I always enjoyed her work. And to die at 70 seems a little too early to me... I felt a ping in my heart when I heard the news.

A friend reminded me the other night, of the below scene when she played the character of Julia Sugarbaker on "Designing Women". It's certainly a fantastic scene and Dixie Carter's presence soars (as it usually did). But, besides the humor and sentiment in it, it reminded me of something truly vital in respectful human relations. Something I should OFTEN remind myself of...

We make A LOT of assumptions and presumptions about others. I know I do, anyway... About people very dear to us, family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. And passing strangers.

But when it boils down to it, the truth is, we have no idea... I have no idea. Where they've been. What they've gone through. What they're going through... And how easy it is to pass judgment on others when I have no fricking idea what their circumstances are.

We think we know.

But, we don't know.

Pardon me, I shouldn't speak for you. I should speak for me.

So, I think I know.

But, I don't know.

What I DO KNOW, is that

I don't know shit.

Now, tell her, Julia!

And we'll miss you, Dixie Carter...

(Thank you for reminding me of this, Matthew!)

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