Commentaries | Mar 09,2019
Nov 30 , 2024
By Eden Sahle
I recently spoke with someone deeply stressed by complex family matters. Her worries had severely impacted her health and strained her relationships. She confessed to losing control of her temper, which flared up in almost every interaction with her husband, coworkers, and close friends. I experienced it firsthand during our talk, which prompted me to ask if she was okay.
While her struggles seem visible, others quickly judge her behaviour without understanding the cause. Most assumed that her professional success and achievements had gone to her head. Friends distanced themselves without offering the benefit of the doubt. Her spouse dismissed the impact her family crises had on her mental and emotional state. He urged her to "just forget it and move on," failing to recognise how deeply these issues affected her.
Passing judgment on others is easy. But, pausing to consider their journey is what helps us understand. Listening to others’ stories has taught me that everyone carries a burden. I try to avoid hasty generalisation based on surface observations and try to figure out where other people are coming from. This shift transforms our perspective. In a society overflowing with criticism and fault-finding, what we need now more than ever are lifters: people who encourage and support, even when they do not fully understand the struggles of others.
Everyone carries a set of experiences, usually marred with pain and sorrow, that shape their actions. The person losing their temper in a public service office might be weighed down by financial struggles or an exhausting night caring for a loved one. The withdrawn colleague might be grieving or dealing with health issues. Even those who seem to have it all together might be silently fighting battles. Without knowing these details, our judgments are incomplete at best and unfair at worst.
Assuming we would behave differently in someone's situation ignores the role of environment, trauma, and stress in shaping behaviour. Empathy reminds us that we can never fully understand another's choice until we have lived their reality.
Criticism cultivates negativity and perpetuates cycles of distrust and disconnection. It narrows our perspective, blinds us to the complexity of human behaviour, and isolates us from genuine connection. Worse, judgment usually leads to labelling, reducing someone to a single mistake or trait and ignoring the multifaceted person they truly are.
Encouragement, on the other hand, has the power to lift people. It instils confidence, helping others navigate their circumstances with strength. It is far from ignoring flaws or pretending difficulties do not exist; it is about recognising humanity in its rawest form and choosing to focus on hope and potential.
Listening with curiosity instead of making assumptions deepens our understanding of others and allows us to offer meaningful support. Most of our surroundings are filled with voices tearing others down.
Choosing not to judge does not mean suppressing opinions. It is about shifting perspective and approaching others with empathy. Letting go of judgment frees us from negativity, opening the door to deeper relationships and a stronger sense of purpose. But it requires intentional effort. Consistently choosing empathy requires us to prioritise understanding over criticism.
The next time we are tempted to judge, it is better to pause and try to walk in others' shoes. Instead of fault-finding, offer a kind word, a listening ear, or a simple smile.
PUBLISHED ON
Nov 30,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1283]
Commentaries | Mar 09,2019
Radar | May 08,2021
Editorial | Mar 01,2024
Fortune News | Mar 16,2019
Commentaries | Apr 10,2023
Radar | Jun 18,2022
Radar | Jul 02,2022
Commentaries | Oct 05,2024
Editorial | Mar 27,2021
Viewpoints | Nov 18,2023
My Opinion | 127611 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 123788 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 121940 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 119795 Views | Aug 07,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Apr 13 , 2025
The federal government will soon require one year of national service from university...
Apr 6 , 2025
Last week, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group...
Mar 30 , 2025
When the private satellite channel, Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS), aired an em...
Mar 23 , 2025
Getachew Redda, head of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), at least u...
Apr 13 , 2025
Some parts of Merkato have fallen uncharacteristically silent, contrary to its typical bustle of traders, shoppers, and hawkers vying for bu...
Apr 13 , 2025 . By AKSAH ITALO
Takeaways: Retroactive VAT enforcement on soybean cake has become a tax flashpo...
Apr 13 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
A redevelopment initiative along Africa Avenue (Bole Road) has set off alarm bells for property owners wh...
Key Takeaways Federal legislators called for reforms and increased enforcement to protect Ethiopian...
Loading your updates...