Robert Evans once said, “There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying.” This quote from the 2002 movie The Kid Stays in the Picture captures the essence of how different perspectives shape our understanding of any situation. Recently, I had the opportunity to observe a civil courtroom where two parties were involved in a legal dispute. Each side presented strong arguments to support their case. However, I noticed an interesting pattern: both parties focused on highlighting each other's faults while conveniently omitting their own mistakes.
This experience reminded me of the saying, “There are three sides to every story.” Each person involved in a conflict often sees things differently, and their perspectives can shape the narrative. In this courtroom, the judge had the challenging task of sorting through the evidence presented by both sides.
As I listened to the arguments, I realized how easily people can try to influence and manipulate others with their own version of events. Sometimes, they even steal the truth from those who deserve to be heard. I’ve heard it said that to be effective, a lie must be camouflaged with a lot of truth. This means that some people will mix in real facts with their distortions to make their version seem more convincing.
By carefully examining the hard evidence and considering the claims made by both parties, the judge was able to find common ground. This is where the truth often lies—somewhere in the middle. It’s a reminder that before jumping to conclusions, we should take the time to listen and understand all viewpoints.
In our daily lives, whether in disagreements with friends or debates in school, we can learn from this courtroom experience. Taking a step back, listening to everyone involved, and weighing the facts can lead to fairer and more accurate conclusions. So the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, remember: there are often three sides to every story, and understanding all of them can make a big difference.
Steven Jarrod Smith
