Shortcuts

The opposite of uncertainty is, of course, certainty.  The nature of the human mind is such that we struggle with uncertainty.  When faced with uncertainty, we strive to reach certainty of some sort.  Certainty is found – imperfectly sometimes for sure –through applying heuristics, stereotypes or generalisations.  These shortcuts are applied for new situations, new experiences, or to pigeonhole that new person we’ve just met.

In times of uncertainty, especially when it’s multiple aspects, these shortcuts can be detrimental.  The new situation, experience, or person doesn’t fit into those pigeonholes.  Be forgiving, patient and kind.  Those are easy shortcuts to apply.