Are you caught in the middle, again?

I enjoy old episodes of the comedy, All in The Family. There’s nothing funnier than Archie and Mike, the father/son-in-law duo arguing and debating politics, race, history, education, or any subject. But, of course, both men believe he is right and doesn’t give an inch! Recently, I watched one show focused on the “messy middle” with new eyes.

We’ve all been in the “messy middle,” trying to understand opposing sides in arguments. The key parties could be spouses, children, or siblings. Perhaps the disagreement is between business colleagues, friends, and neighbors. You hear a compelling story and justification for their actions. So, who and what do you believe?

Now, back to Archie and Mike, who came from different places in life. One was conservative, and the other was liberal. One was older and the other a young man. In one of their biggest fights, the mother (Edith), always honest, was asked what started the fight. She was the only witness. Edith then shared a simple account that showed both men exaggerated and were fast and loose with the truth!

Have you ever found yourself in the messy middle trying to understand two heated positions? Have you ever suspected exaggeration from one or both parties? Have you been torn and conflicted? I have, and there was no laughter or cutting to a commercial break for me. Instead, I saw angry people and they hoped I’d take sides.

I’m learning to recognize the messy middle. It’s easy to make quick judgments and be wrong. And finally, I’ve discovered that people can see the same thing differently, the same fricking behavior! So, I like stepping back and allowing this moment to sink in. Suddenly, the middle (and my healthy emotional wellbeing) is not so messy.