Often, those outside of our priorities, lifestyle, experiences, and mindset, can't see us--they don't know who we are. Recently I thought about this as I shared an intimate detail of life with a friend who could not understand just how integral that detail is to my overall being. Yet, why would that friend understand since his experiences in life are so different, and he does not know that side of me.
The same happened to me when I commented on another friend's words. My friend became upset. In hindsight, I was thinking more from my perspective than my friend's perspective. I could not see where he was coming from, and my words were insensitive in light of that.
Who sees us and who does not see us?
Usually, the people who "see" us best are those who understand the contexts we exist in--they can relate to who we are, what we do, and our mindsets. Those outside of those experiences will find it difficult to understand us.
Teachers rightfully complain about this all the time. Many project thoughts about schools, but few truly understand what it is like to work in a classroom day-after-day, it's an experience that is difficult to understand unless you've experienced that.
What can we do when we are unseen?
The best that you can do is to make sure that you do belong to groups that see you and understand you--it's too lonely and not helpful to remain unseen. Instead, you have to find your people which may take some real time and online searching.
Then, in simple words, you can try to explain your situation to others. For example, you can say, That was meaningful to me because ___________________, and you can relate to an experience that they may experience in their own world of work, relationships, and interests.
We are all seen and unseen with regard to the many aspects of who we are and what we do. No one knows us or can relate to us completely--we're all a unique set of elements. Even knowing ourselves is often a challenge.