Neither of us is wrong

This morning I was standing in one spot, making my lunch. My 6 yo was playing hockey through the kitchen (as one does at 6:45am) and repeatedly hit my feet with the hockey puck. He finally said "Mom, why do you keep stopping the puck?!" and I replied, "Do you mean, why do you keep hitting it directly at the exact spot I happen to be standing?!" He tilted his head to the side and said, "well... neither of us is wrong."

What he said is true. It's just a matter of perspective. But if neither of us is wrong, are we both right?

We are confronted with this daily. We often get stuck on our own perspective with a steadfast belief that we are right. This is often tied to a dichotomous assumption that the other person is therefore wrong. But the other person has this same attitude - about their own perspective being right and ours being therefore wrong. The reality is that both perspectives are right because they belong to the person viewing them. But it's an interpretation based on a limited perspective. It's not ultimate truth. And ultimate truth doesn't really matter because both people are emotionally connected and attached to their unique perspective.

So what can we do?

First, recognize that our perspective is just that - ours. Which means no one else shares it exactly.
Second, do our best to articulate our unique perspective without accusations or exaggeration.
Third, invite the other person to articulate their perspective - and do your best to listen without trying to apply your perspective to their lens.
Fourth, revisit your perspective - has it shifted with any new information?

At the very least, before you get too stuck on your perspective being right, remember the wise declaration of my 6yo: neither of you are wrong. Starting there might help you see that you are indeed not being hit by what's coming at you, you are merely in the way and stopping the forward momentum of what's happening around you.