The Other Half of The Story

As a Psychotherapist, I have been trained to listen to a person's story and to help him/her make sense of it. One thing I have noticed, is that many people have not learned how to tell their stories well. Hence, quite often one does not get the full picture from how the information is delivered. Remember, every story has the following parts:
1. A beginning
2. A middle
3. An end
4. Quite often, at least one other side.
Number 4 above is often ignored, even though it can be very important. Let's say there was an accident in which a boy was hit by a car. If you listen to the boy's story, he might say,"Out of nowhere, the car ran right into me." The driver might say,"The boy ran right into the car." According to bystanders, who know the driver".....," According to the boy's mother and those who know her,"....." How many versions do you think this story could have? Do you have all the facts? What else do you need to know, that could help you decide, what might have really happened?One story can have several versions, some of which can be totally untrue. Try to remember this when you are about to tell your story. Make sure it is fair and that it is sensible.