The word “judge” is a bit of a strong one here. Let’s just say that I disapprove of certain behaviors and that I feel like saying… Seriously? Really? When we have to question people’s behavior, I think there’s a problem. So… Let’s judge together! And if you feel judged, you have the right to change your behavior!
I’m judging you when… You feel compelled to touch a stranger’s baby, to kiss it, or to pat the belly of the woman in front of you just because she’s pregnant. Listen to me carefully, Jacqueline—(I think they all look like Jacqueline)—I just want to remind you that you’re patting a human being, a human being just like you and me. Do we know each other? No! Do you like it when I pat your cheek? No? Well, stop taking offense when people ask you not to stick your germ-covered hands on a newborn. Just because you live alone or don’t see your loved ones anymore doesn’t mean MY child has to be your best friend! So, politely, please back off! Thank you!
I’m judging you when… The car in front of you has a very polite sign that says, “Princesses on board, drive carefully,” and the smartest thing you can think to do is try to hit my rear bumper. I don’t know if you’re aware, but the person in front of me could make any move that would result in you continuing your journey in MY car. When the person in front of you follows the speed limit, but you feel compelled to pass illegally—no matter which side of the road you use—and you’re in too much of a hurry to follow the rules of the road, I have some advice for you. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier, and you won’t be in such a rush. This message applies to cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
I judge you when… you don’t have kids yet or have never been pregnant before, and you feel entitled to give others advice on baby sleep, pregnancy guidelines, or nutrition for newborns or pregnant women. I just can’t fathom how you could know more about this than women who already have a bunch of kids—and who themselves don’t know the answer. Please don’t say anything—especially not in front of the exhausted, at-her-wits’ end mom… People will judge you less or won’t look at you strangely. You know, your “experienced babysitter” course isn’t a Ph.D. in child behavior.
All these judgments are just a tiny fraction of the annoyances that exist in the world. However, if only we changed our actions and behaviors, life would be so much better! Let’s stop judging each other and change to make the world a better place.