The Sides of the Story: My Side, Your Side, and the Truth in the Middle

By #LearnedMan | Smiles R Contagious

There’s a familiar saying: “There are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth.”

It sounds simple, but the implications run deep.

Truth often feels absolute — but when we truly examine it, we realize that truth is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and perceptions.

Not all “truths” are facts, but all facts are truths.

Understanding this difference matters. It shapes how we view ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

My Side: The Lens of Experience

My side of the story is colored by everything I’ve lived—my triumphs, heartbreaks, lessons, and scars.

Through this lens, my truth feels real and valid, rooted in my emotions and logic.

Yet no matter how well I explain it, I can’t expect others to fully understand.

You haven’t walked my path, just as I haven’t walked yours.

This is where humility steps in.

I must remember: my truth is real to me, but it’s still only part of a larger picture.

Even when I feel justified, I need to stay open — knowing there’s always more to the story than what I see.

Your Side: The Power of Perspective

Your side of the story is just as real, built by your own experiences, values, and beliefs.

It might challenge my truth — and that’s okay.

The beauty of relationships, whether personal or professional, lies in the meeting of different perspectives.

Listening to your side takes patience and empathy.

It’s not about agreeing; it’s about understanding.

What shaped your truth?

Why do you see things the way you do?

Asking these questions with genuine curiosity builds a bridge, not a wall.

The Truth: The Bridge in the Middle

The truth often lives somewhere between our sides.

It’s not about compromise or watering down beliefs — it’s about recognizing that no single view captures the entire picture.

Truth is fact-based. But facts need context to be fully understood.

Take a disagreement: one person says, “You never listen to me.”

The other counters, “You always criticize me.”

The deeper truth?

Both may feel unheard and hurt — not because of present words alone, but because of past wounds carried into the moment.

When we step back and explore the “why” behind each perspective, we find not just the facts — but the humanity underneath.

Respecting the Three Sides

Acknowledging the three sides of every story creates space for growth, empathy, and peace.

Relationships thrive when we:

1. Respect Differences: Recognize that every truth is shaped by a unique journey.

2. Listen Without Assumptions: Set aside judgment and hear what’s truly being said.

3. Understand the Why: Seek the heart behind the perspective, and you’ll often find common ground.

When we honor all sides, we let go of the need to be “right” — and instead choose connection over conflict.