This is in response to Winseem's blog about judgment (I was too long-winded to simply post a comment in reply).  ;)

"WHEN WE JUDGE ANOTHER, WE DO  NOT DEFINE THEM, WE DEFINE OURSELVES."
                                                          ~ WAYNE DYER

When it comes to "judgement," there are two realities:
 (and in my opinion, these are FACTS---now how's that for an oxymoron?) :)

1. NO person has the *right* to judge another person.

2. We are human, and judgement is instinctual and natural. 
 
Those are two pretty conflicting statements, right?  Yet they are all too true. 
The difference lies in what we *choose* to do with those judgements.
    

a.) Make a snap judgement and share it with another person (or worse, plural: PEOPLE)   

                                 ---OR---

b.) Make a snap judgement, recognize it for what it is, but choose to ignore your initial thoughts/reactions.  This has to be a conscious, thoughtful decision to explore the possibility that your first impressions may have been incorrect.   First impressions AREN'T always everything despite the cliche, and I'm glad I've ignored mine on several occasions.

Although this truly is SIMPLE, that doesn't necessarily mean it's an easy thing to do.  What I've found is that most people who make snap judgements about a person and proceed to share those thoughts/opinions/impressions with others have two things going on: 1.) they want to have their opinions validated by another and/or want to create a reason to gossip,  and 2.) they have feelings of inadequacy about themselves.

It's easier to point out the faults and weaknesses in others and tell ourselves "at least I'm not 'that' bad," than it is to truly own up to and admit our faults and set about taking some action steps in order to improve.  And we ALL want validation periodically in life.  But as Winseem pointed out, in order to honestly know what another person is going through, why they make the choices they make, and HOW they're really feeling deep down inside, you MUST take a walk in their shoes. 

And really........that's impossible.  You can never completely re-create the same situation with which another person is dealing.  So step back, recognize when you're making a judgement (it happens several times daily!), and take the time to find out more about a person and his/her situation before deciding what "kind" of a person they are. 

I'm still working on this.  And glad I am......because I've made a lot of great friendships despite bad first impressions. 

Remember to be gentle with people.  Everyone is fighting their own battle.