Accepting the Judgmental

We all know someone who is judgmental.

Elements of what they dislike about a topic, a person, or group of people, are often true about them. Although they demonstrate similar qualities of those they scorn most, they are blind to themselves.

It’s really easy to judge them for being judgmental. But almost immediately, we are now judgmental.

Crap!

How do we just ignore angry words about an unending list of topics? I’m not suggesting that we sit silent when we hear views that we believe are cruel, uninformed, and just not helpful.

I am also not suggesting that we engage in a debate to change their mind. It’s likely that you’d hear, “I’m not being cruel. I can’t help it that the truth is hard for you to hear.” Save your energy.

This is a post about our internal reactions, but I know there are times when everything in you screams that something has to be said. Here’s a suggestion, “I don’t hear you asking for additional information, but I also didn’t ask to hear your beliefs. I don’t agree with your views.”

They may hesitate next time before vomiting their unsolicited opinions all over you. If they post their views on Facebook like I’m doing, you can unsubscribe to all their posts like I do!

People are most likely to change when they are accepted right where they are at. If it were so easy for them to change they already would have. So would we.

Change happens in response to acceptance. Offer it generously.