To Judge or Not to Judge: The Real Talk

Let's get one thing straight: the whole "don't judge anyone" thing is a little outdated. We hear it everywhere, but let's be real, our brains are literally wired to make judgments. It’s a core survival instinct. When you're walking down the street and see a sketchy dude, you're making a judgment call to stay safe. That's not a bad thing; that's your brain looking out for you.

The problem isn't the judgment itself—it's what we do with it.

Discernment vs. Prejudice

The word "judgment" has gotten a bad rap. Maybe we should call it "discernment" instead. It sounds less… well, judgmental. We do it all the time without thinking. When you swipe left on a dating app, you're making a judgment. When you decide to hang out with a new friend because they're funny and kind, you’re making a judgment. Our lives are built on these small, everyday decisions. Not judging would mean you can't tell the difference between a good person and a bad one, a saint and a villain. And that's a dangerous way to live.

The real issue is prejudice. That’s judging someone based on things they can’t control—their race, gender, religion, or background. That's not just wrong, it's harmful. The judgments that matter are based on a person’s actions and words. If someone is consistently rude, unkind, or takes advantage of others, it's not only okay to judge them for it, it's essential for your well-being. That's not being petty; it's protecting your peace.

The Gut Check

Think about it: if you're in a room with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or drains your energy, are you going to say, "Oh, I shouldn't judge them"? No. Your gut is telling you to get out of there. That feeling is a form of discernment, and you should listen to it. You have every right to decide who you associate with.

It's hypocritical to love compliments but hate critique. We can't welcome judgments when they're sugar-coated as praise, like when someone calls you smart or kind—but then get mad when someone makes a negative assessment. Both are judgments. The difference lies in the intention. Good judgment is for your own protection and to build a better life. Gossip, on the other hand, is just tearing people down to make yourself feel bigger, and that says more about the gossiper than the person they're talking about.

Ultimately, your ability to make rational judgments is what helps you navigate life, choose the right friends, and make good decisions. It’s how you keep your conscience clear and your life safe. So, trust your instincts. A good person is a good person, no matter their background. And an asshole is an asshole, no matter who they are. Judge them on their actions, and you'll be just fine.