Posted by gardenergirl on December 27, 2007, at 9:39:37
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
> I have recently undertaken a new attempt to be "non-judgemental" of other people, which is totally opposite of what I've been like in the past.Like seldomseen said, that's not an easy thing to change. You've taken on a tough task, though one which I believe will bring you feelings of peace and grounding. Kudos to you!
> But what grown adult would wake up one day and choose to live like this?
My guess is that they view what you describe differently. I believe that diversity of beliefs, personalities, cultures, values, etc. add a great deal of richness and interest to the world.
> How can anyone possibly feel good about the world when so many people are out their making an idiot of themselves? People who are anything but dignified or respectful? It makes me feel SO depressed and negative about the world sometimes.I can see how it would feel depressing if you believe that way about the world. I imagine it might also feel somewhat lonely. What I find optimistic, however, is that the definitions of "idiot", "dignified", and "respectful" are not carved in stone by any one person, so there is a great deal of room for compassion and tolerance.
>
> Important Note: I do not know everyone on here well, but I have never encountered anyone on babble that made me feel negative about the world. I think everyone here is great. I really mean that. It's the dirtbag in a dirty pick up sucking on a cigarette with his radio blasting out some "Metallica" crap at the traffic light that frustrates me.Michael, I can tell you mean well, truly, and that you are a caring young man. But I feel the need to point out that you have no way of knowing if someone here on Babble drives a dirty pickup truck, smokes, and blasts Metallica. And you have no way of knowing what that person might do for a living or how they might act in varying situations. Or how they might appear in "print" in this medium. I'm reminded of a woman I was fortunate enough to work with for a few years. I've never met anyone more professional, respectable, effective, well-groomed, competent, you name it. She and her husband LOVED Metallica and traveled around to go to their concerts. You just never know.
I applaud your decision to work on being non-judgmental. And I thank you for the reminder, as I have to sort of police myself for this, too, in certain cases. I hope this has helped. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in your efforts.
Happy holidays!
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:802856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20071130/msgs/802889.html