Tuesday, January 10, 2006
People like to judge
It’s a part of human nature. As much as I like to preach that we shouldn’t pass judgement on people until we know them better, I know I do it too. It’s why reality TV shows are so popular. It’s why Simon Cowell is still on TV. Most people are too nice to give harsh judgement to someone’s face. It’s called tact. It’s a good thing. But deep down I think we like to see those in action who are unafraid to mouth off and cut someone to shreds, especially when the person being shredded really, really deserves it.
Being judgemental is one thing, but what about getting bad vibes? There’s this lady at the office. I don’t know her at all and have no idea what she does, but the very first time I saw her I thought, “What a sourpuss.” She walked by with an expression on on her face similar to boredom, never made eye contact, and was dressed like a frumpy old lady (though she wasn’t old). I caught myself passing judgement and told myself, “Wait a minute, who am I to be making assumptions like that?” I often don’t make eye contact when I don’t feel like it, and sometimes I get bored at work too. And I am far from being a snappy dresser. So I’ll give this person another chance. She works on my floor so I pass by her a lot in the hallways. Every single time it’s the same thing. Never acknowledges my presence. She keeps reinforcing my initial impression of being a snob. I didn’t like her in the beginning and I still don’t like her now.
So my initial bad vibes about this person… was that me judging her? I’m leaning towards yes. When you meet someone, they usually give off some kind of vibe. It’s what helps you form your first impression. I guess judging a book by its cover is a sore subject for me because, well, my cover is pretty bland. It’s better now, but during my formative years I was a shy, socially inept bookworm with few friends.
Now I know better. I’m just eccentric. I have tastes that run outside of the norm, and that’s okay. I still have enough normality in me to pass as a human being. Just try not to run screaming in the opposite direction when you first meet me. Give me a second and third chance. I might surprise you. (Or you just may find out that I’m actually worse than you first suspected.)
(2) Comments • Permalink
Categories: • Personal Insights