More Than Meets the Eye: The Fluidity in Knowing Others

Our Prejudices Collapse When We Open Our Minds And Hearts.

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels.

“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” — Wayne Dyer

We’ve all been there — you take one look at someone and think you have them all figured out. Maybe she seems like a hipster snob, or he looks like a meathead jock. But then you talk to them and realize you were way off base.

This kind of snap judgment happens to all of us, even so-called “experts.”

Once, I was leading a seminar, and a man wearing an expensive suit and a smug expression walked in. I immediately thought: “This guy will be a pretentious know-it-all.” So, right off the bat, I was curt with him, assuming he would try to dominate the conversation.

Boy, was I wrong!

It turned out he was shy and unsure of himself — the suit was to boost his confidence. His input was humble and thoughtful. If I hadn’t prejudged him, we could’ve connected much sooner.

We all have these bi…