How many times have we come across situations we become uncomfortable with and how many times have we judged the people who are in those uncomfortable situations? Instead of judging others based on their appearance, we should all take the time and try to understand why they may be in that situation. Here are some examples of how we judge others without knowing the circumstances:
- The homeless – we assume that they are addicts, are crazy and are they because they want to be there.
- That “crazy” person screaming on the corner – again we make assumptions without understanding that person’s situation.
- The lady who is talking to herself beside you on the bus.
- The angry woman at the market.
- The young boy who prefers to put on high heels on rather than play with trucks or the young girl who would rather play baseball than be a princess.
- The guy in the park passed out beside an empty bottle of alcohol.
- The large man or woman eating at a fast food change.
- The man/woman walking into traffic – could be blind and not understand what he is doing.
- etc..
Prior to making judgment’s against any other person – we should practice empathy. When you see someone in any of the situations above, imagine yourself in their shoes. Wouldn’t you want someone to reach out to you?