• Skip to main content

Dr. Mike Bechtle

Resources for Confident Communication

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Free Guide

Do You Notice the Trash?

If a piece of trash appears on the floor in a room that’s usually spotless, we notice it right away.

If a piece of trash appears on the floor in a room that’s usually messy, we don’t see it.

That happens in relationships, too.

Wad of trashIt’s easy to focus on the things our family members, friends and co-workers do that drives us crazy.  But when we do that, we’re not seeing them accurately.  That thing that bugs us doesn’t define them; it’s not who they are.

That’s why it bugs us so much when the people we value mess up, because it’s out or character.  But when it comes from one of the messed-up people whose lives are always attracting drama, we expect it.

When somebody bugs you today, put it in perspective.  If it’s someone that’s important to you, it’s probably a piece of trash in a clean room.

Don’t lose perspective.

Don’t focus on the trash.

See it for what it is – a speed bump in your journey with that person.

It’s called, “Giving them grace.”

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Copyright © 2026 · Log in