It is usually good not to interfere in the lives of others unless asked. Even though we may be close to someone, people prefer that we get involved only when they ask us to. Respecting their space and keeping a distance builds strong relationships. However, sometimes we need to break the general rule and need to interfere.

When from a distance we see a situation, that is either not getting better or could have serious implications, we may be doing a bigger disservice to those we deeply care for by playing safe and waiting to be asked. True care lies in knowing when to enter their space, which normally we may not.

We may be able to see things they cannot, probably because we see them from a distance and with objectivity. Giving them our unsolicited perspective and advice is not interfering; it is an expression of our deepest concern and empathy for them.

When we see someone we care for struggling, either financially, physically, or emotionally, and yet they are not reaching out, remaining a silent bystander is not love and friendship. Probing deeper and getting them to open up what is clearly being bottled within, helps them open their minds to options and sometimes difficult but necessary decisions they may not be willing to explore.

Interestingly, people are more willing to help than to ask for help. It may well be a form of human nature to feel good about giving rather than receiving. Of course, we are there when asked, but landing up by their side in their time of need unasked is not interference, it is what true bonding is built on.

We often hesitate to take the step of getting involved because we fear that we may be pushed back and we fear for loss of our image and getting hurt. Even if that happens, it doesn’t matter. When we truly and deeply care for someone, their situation should always matter more than our ego.

For sure we don’t need to go around poking our noses in other people’s business, nor do we always need to wait to be asked. We may not be wrong playing by the rule of distance unless asked, but sometimes it may not be the right thing to do.

And when in our hour of need someone unexpectedly lands up by our side and gives us the support, confidence, and faith that helps us to go through what we thought was unmanageable, we will truly understand why sometimes it is good to interfere.

(Picture – Cupar, Scotland)