Everyone is under some level of pressure.
Whenever you interact with someone, positively or negatively, there are pressures on them that you may not be aware of.
I had this reminder recently when I got to know someone better who I previously had a somewhat challenging relationship with. Once I got a glimpse into some of the things they were dealing with it reminded me not to take things personally or assume their reactions were about me or the situation.
It relates to the concept of “assuming positive intent.” Everyone’s generally trying to do the right thing.
If we can acknowledge and embrace that everyone is under some level of pressure it will benefit all our relationships, both personally and professionally.