It’s easy to slip into judgment. You see someone cut in line, dress differently, or speak in a way you don’t like, and your mind whispers, “Seriously? What’s wrong with them?” But here’s the thing: judgment closes the door, while curiosity opens it.

Curiosity invites us to ask, “What else might be true?” For example, imagine a coworker who always arrives late. Judgment says, “They’re irresponsible.” Curiosity says, “I wonder if they have a long commute or family obligations.” That small shift in perspective softens your response—and often leads to deeper understanding.

I once caught myself judging a neighbour who seemed unfriendly because she never smiled. Later, I learned she was dealing with health challenges and simply didn’t have the energy to chat. My curiosity turned what could have been distance into empathy.

Here are quick questions to swap judgment for curiosity:

• “What might they be going through?”

• “What would I want someone to assume about me?”

• “Is there more to their story?”

Judgment divides, but curiosity connects. Choosing the latter can transform the way we see people—and the way they see us.

“Next time you feel judgment rising, try swapping it for a curious question. Come back and share how it changed the interaction!”

It’s easy to slip into judgment. You see someone cut in line, dress differently, or speak in a way you don’t like, and your mind whispers, “Seriously? What’s wrong with them?” But here’s the thing: judgment closes the door, while curiosity opens it.

Curiosity invites us to ask, “What else might be true?” For example, imagine a coworker who always arrives late. Judgment says, “They’re irresponsible.” Curiosity says, “I wonder if they have a long commute or family obligations.” That small shift in perspective softens your response—and often leads to deeper understanding.

I once caught myself judging a neighbour who seemed unfriendly because she never smiled. Later, I learned she was dealing with health challenges and simply didn’t have the energy to chat. My curiosity turned what could have been distance into empathy.

Here are quick questions to swap judgment for curiosity:

• “What might they be going through?”

• “What would I want someone to assume about me?”

• “Is there more to their story?”

Judgment divides, but curiosity connects. Choosing the latter can transform the way we see people—and the way they see us.

“Next time you feel judgment rising, try swapping it for a curious question. Come back and share how it changed the interaction!”