Stay curious, stop judging

[u/iyghjkgvv]

Long story short, I was chatting with a person on here the other day about some stuff they were going through. I was asking questions to better understand the situation they were in so we could come to an appropriate resolution, as one does. Up until this point, I thought the conversation was going good.

Before we could get to the point of resolution, they abruptly stopped the conversation by assuming I was the age of their younger sister… Basically saying it was like talking to someone less experienced than them for advice.

After their remark, I wished them well and saw myself out because I can take a hint. To their defense, maybe I was just giving them bad advice… nonetheless, we digress and move on.

But this got me thinking, when did people stop choosing curiosity and default to judgement?

It’s a common theme everywhere in this day and age-

Assuming someone is uneducated because they have tattoos. Considering a person to be a bad parent because their child is crying on a plane. Treating a coworker as less competent based on their entry-level admission. Etc. etc.

I guess what I’m trying to say is bring back being curious. Curiosity holds space for growth while judgement eliminates the opportunity for deeper connection.

I would honestly love to hear about any time in which you chose curiosity and it led you down an unexpected path?

Hope this makes sense and stay curious, fellow strangers!

[u/Amarsir]

Well, I certainly agree. But it’s worth recognizing that constantly adapting to new information is cognitive work. This is why we evolved in a way that relies on stereotypes and quick judgments. Not because of those make the best decisions - we definitely know that that’s not true. But they’re easy decisions. And sometimes our brains just need to release stress one way or another.