[ Breaking the Cycle of Judgment: Choosing Kindness Over Criticism ]

A study conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia revealed that nearly all girls aged 14-19 have experienced cyberbullying, with 62 percent of the attacks targeting their appearance. This often leaves them feeling ashamed of their bodies.

 

The cruel remarks that people make don’t just remain confined to schools, they often follow us into adulthood. Many students avoid school events because they feel self-conscious about their appearance. As adults, those who were hurt in the past sometimes withdraw from public life and fail to engage fully, driven by lingering insecurities.

 

I once found myself the target of hurtful comments after setting clear boundaries with someone. This person initially expressed genuine admiration for me and complimented me often. He would tell me how much he appreciated certain qualities about me, and it was clear he liked me. However, when I gently made it clear that I wasn’t interested in pursuing anything further, the dynamic shifted. Soon, I began hearing insulting remarks about my appearance, and he started criticizing me in ways that felt personal and harsh. It was confusing and hurtful to see how quickly admiration turned into judgment. It seems that, to protect ourselves from discomfort or rejection, we sometimes distance ourselves from others or lash out as a way to preserve our sense of worth.

 

Judging others based on appearance is, unfortunately, a common behavior in schools across many countries. Young students compare and criticize each other as a means of survival, to fit in and gain acceptance.

 

I was judged, but I don’t want to use the same way to protect myself. Instead, I want to add a little more love to the world. When we are treated badly, it doesn’t mean we need to treat others the same way. If we want more kindness in this world, we must be the ones who are kind first. In adulthood, I chose not to harbor anger toward those who feel the need to judge others. Often, judgment is a reflection of one’s own experiences. We tend to project our pain onto others because we were treated similarly and don’t know another way to cope or survive.

 

Picture: Kusama’s exhibition in Melbourne

 

More official resources: www.ccwithin.com

#Cyberbullying #SelfLove #BodyPositivity #Acceptance #Empathy #OvercomingJudgment #KindnessMatters #MentalHealth #Adolescence #EmotionalWellness #SurvivalMechanisms #ChooseLove #BreakTheCycle