Judgemental: The wrong way to be

Judging other people is something most human beings do; Their judgement may be right or wrong, even a little of each, however it's something people feel they have the right to do. Most people's judgement is based on nothing though, no fact, no understanding; Just an impression gained through what they see mostly.

Today I was at the range with my wife and a couple of mates and there were some other club members there doing their own thing; Their curiosity brought them over to our range eventually. I had never seen them before and I'm at the range a lot so I assume they are new. In between some shooting we were chatting about technique and I overheard the other group say something about my wife and how funny it would be to see the "blonde bimbo" shoot and some other derogatory comments. I was going to go over and say something to them as my wife had actually also heard the comments and didn't really like hearing herself spoken to like that however I refrained, at her request. Obviously I was pretty mad about the whole thing but what point is there to make a big deal and get into it with a few young assholes right? My wife didn't want us making a scene.

We simply continued doing what we were doing and ignored it. Now, my wife is a pretty good shooter. I have a rule: "If you live in my house you need to know how to operate, and make safe, all my guns". So, she knows how to do so and can shoot quite well. She knows how to shoot several different types of hand guns and revolvers, shot guns and my long guns (centrefire hunting and competition rifles). In fact she can accurately shoot my competition guns out past 780m. That's a long way. She has nothing to prove to random people though and so we just ignored it and she went on to blast out a few stages running and gunning like the experienced shooter she is.

I guess I'm a little annoyed about the behaviour of the three young lads who obviously didn't realise that on the range sound carries very well due to the large concrete dividing walls separating the ranges. However not everyone has the ability to reserve judgement until they know better, or indeed, have the manners to keep their mouths shut unless they have something nice to say.

Being judgemental, and judging people or things, prior to having a full understanding of the person or thing can lead to misunderstandings and of course missing out on something really great be it a relationship or an opportunity. It closes off the person being judgemental and removes the chance to gain greater understanding. I believe it is limiting. Sure, my wife is blonde, she's tall and dresses well...Does that make her a bimbo? She has also successfully run our business for over 25 years, has a vast amount of knowledge in her field and is a respected identity in her industry. Not a bimbo at all.

Pre-judging people or things is limiting and in my opinion ignorant. It is also the right of every person on the planet to do so and me having a little whinge about it here won't change it. I guess it's up to the individual to decide whether to pre-judge or not and to suffer, or benefit, from the consequences either way. I'm motivated to learn before judging and then making decisions based on fact, knowledge and understanding; It's seen me through in my business and personal life and is the way I suggest others proceed. Some will, some won't.

[- The best way to increase your self esteem is to increase someone else’s -]