Your Perception Isn't Reality

A drive through Manhattan to New Jersey became a lesson in perception and misinterpretation. While navigating towards the Holland Tunnel on Canal St, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation.

As the first car at the light without a lead vehicle, the decision was solely mine.

It can be tricky to know which right turn to make that will lead you into the tunnel or more Manhattan traffic. There were impatient honks from the driver behind me as the light turned green, so I made a decision after a few moments of hesitation.

What ensued was unexpected.

The car behind swiftly passed me to take the lead but then slowed significantly and at times abruptly stopped inside the tunnel, which confused me and angered the other drivers as traffic built up. Eventually, I realized that the erratic behavior was their retaliation for a perceived slight based on their misinterpretation of my confusion at the light.

Since that moment, I have reflected on how quickly misunderstandings can arise when we accept our perception as truth.

In other words, your perception isn’t always the full reality—and sometimes, all it takes is a honk-happy stranger to show you the value of a little understanding.