This example shows that a deep and meaningful understanding of the other’s perspective in an estrangement is possible. Our fundamental tendency to protect our self-image when we are attacked may be a formidable barrier, but we can overcome it. Indeed, the reconcilers taught me that if persistently asked to describe the relative’s interpretation of events, most people can do it. Whether you initiated the estrangement, your relative did, or you both had a hand in it, it’s worth taking a step into the other’s perspective.
