No one wants to think of themselves as judgmental or close-minded, and hopefully, you’re not. After all, there’s nothing cool about forming ideas about individuals or entire groups of people based on preconceived biases or superficial things that have no bearing on who the person actually is. If you’re truly nonjudgmental, you’ll never do these things.
1. Assume someone’s intelligence based on their job or education
Source: Unsplash
Just because someone works a zero hours contract job or didn’t go to a fancy college doesn’t mean they’re not smart. Some of the most brilliant minds never set foot in a university, and plenty of highly educated people lack common sense. True intelligence comes in many different forms, and is definitely isn’t defined by a degree or pay cheque. Nonjudgmental people understand that, and they don’t make snap judgments about someone’s intellect based on something so superficial. They take the time to actually get to know someone before deciding what kind of person they are.
2. Criticize someone’s parenting choices
Source: Unsplash
Unless a child is being abused or neglected, it’s definitely not your place to critique someone else’s parenting. Every family is different, with their own unique challenges and dynamics. What works for one person might not work for another. Nonjudgmental people recognize this, and they don’t go around offering unsolicited advice or making snide remarks about how people choose to raise their kids. They get that most parents are doing their best with the resources and knowledge they have.
3. Belittle someone’s religious or spiritual beliefs
Source: Unsplash
Religion and spirituality are really personal and complicated topics. Nonjudgmental people respect this and don’t mock or dismiss beliefs that don’t match up with their own. They recognize that faith is a personal choice, and even if they don’t agree with someone’s perspective, they don’t belittle or try to convince them to think differently. They understand that everyone is entitled to explore their own spirituality without being criticized or judged.
4. Judge someone’s spending habits or financial situation
Source: Unsplash
Money is a sensitive subject for many people. Nonjudgmental people understand this. They don’t make assumptions about someone’s financial situation or criticize their spending habits because they get that everyone has different priorities, responsibilities, and circumstances that influence how they handle their finances. They don’t shame someone for splurging on a luxury item or judge them for living pay cheque to pay cheque. The cost of living is hitting most people hard — who are any of us to judge?
5. Criticize someone’s appearance or body
Source: Unsplash
Nonjudgmental people don’t make nasty remarks about someone’s weight, any cosmetic procedures they may or may not have, and how they look in general. Why would they? Appearance isn’t an indicator of worth or character, and everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. They’re much more interested in what kind of person someone is inside than how they look on the outside.
6. Make assumptions about someone’s relationship status or love life
Source: Unsplash
Prying into someone’s romantic life or making assumptions about their relationship status are big no-nos for nonjudgmental people. They understand that love and relationships are messed up, and that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding happiness and fulfilment. They don’t judge someone for being single, divorced, or in an unconventional relationship. Instead, they respect people’s privacy and trust that they are making the best choices for themselves and their unique circumstances.
7. Judge someone’s taste in music, movies, or hobbies
Source: Unsplash
They don’t mock someone for liking a particular band, film, or hobby. Taste is subjective and that everyone is entitled to enjoy what they love without being ridiculed or criticized. They don’t make anyone feel embarrassed or inferior for their interests, even if they don’t personally share them. Instead, they show curiosity and respect for the things that bring joy and fulfilment to other people’s lives.
8. Criticize someone’s food choices or diet
Source: Unsplash
Nonjudgmental people don’t shame anyone for their eating habits or make unsolicited comments about their diet. They understand that food is a deeply personal and often emotional topic and that everyone has different nutritional needs, preferences, and goals. They don’t judge someone for indulging in a treat or following a specific eating plan.
9. Make assumptions about someone’s political beliefs
Source: Unsplash
People who are truly nonjudgmental don’t automatically assume someone’s politics based on their demographics or jump to conclusions about their stance on specific issues. They get that political beliefs are nuanced, and that people can hold a variety of views that don’t necessarily fit neatly into one party.
10. Judge someone’s mental health struggles
Source: Unsplash
They don’t stigmatize or dismiss mental health issues. Mental illness is a real and serious concern that affects people from all walks of life, and they appreciate this. They don’t tell someone to “just get over it” or make them feel weak or defective for struggling with depression, anxiety, or other conditions. Instead, they offer compassion, support, and encouragement, and recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
11. Criticize someone’s career choices or goals
Source: Unsplash
Nonjudgmental people don’t belittle someone’s job or make them feel inferior for their career goals. After all, success and fulfilment look different for everyone, and there are many paths to finding meaning and purpose in your work. They don’t judge someone for pursuing an unconventional or low-paying field, or for prioritizing family or personal interests over climbing the corporate ladder. What business of it of theirs?
12. Make assumptions about someone’s life experiences or struggles
Source: Unsplash
They don’t assume they know everything about someone’s life based on limited information or surface-level interactions. Everyone has a complex story and has been through some tough times that may not be immediately apparent. They don’t minimize or dismiss someone’s experiences or compare them to their own. It’s actually the opposite — they approach people with empathy and an open mind, and take the time to listen and understand their unique perspective.
13. Judging someone’s orientation or gender identity
Source: Unsplash
They definitely don’t make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity based on their appearance or mannerisms. They understand that these are deeply personal aspects of identity that can’t be neatly categorized or defined by external stuff. They don’t use slurs or derogatory language, or make anyone feel ashamed or abnormal for who they are. They treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of how they identify or who they love.
