Based on the theories of evolution, it's instinctive for human beings to judge. The very first humans used judgement to determine whether or not another creature was a threat to his or her survival. However, we don't just make judgments now in life-or-death situations, we do it all the time, and there are some things that people should never be judged or shamed for.
1. Being attracted to someone you don't think is attractive.
We've all thought someone was cute who makes our friend go, "Really? You think he's cute?" Yes, I do! You and your best friend don't have to have the same taste in men/women. In fact, it makes it easier! No one gets hurt by the other in that way.
2. Not liking something that everyone else seems to think is great.
We'd all be boring as hell if we all liked the same things. I've heard people say that they don't like the Beatles, and many people automatically shoot back an insult or conclude that their opinion is irrelevant. For some reason, people can get very pretentious about music taste. Not everyone has the same taste in music or clothes or opinions, and that's important.
3. Their sexuality.
We've come a long way with this one for sure, but here's another reminder that this needs to be left in the past. Knowing or learning about a person's sexuality shouldn't merit any comment except for, "Oh, that's cool," or something along those lines. If you're uncomfortable with someone's sexuality, I promise, it does not and never will affect you.
4. Their major.
As a writing major, there are always questions along the lines of, "What are you going to do if you can't get a job?" or "Do you know that it's a tough business out there?" Not everyone is cut out to be accounting or business majors, and that's what makes everything interesting. Everyone should have the chance to pursue what it is that makes them happy, however impractical you think it may be.
5. Their sexual history.
This is another one that has been getting a lot of talk recently, especially in regard to women. "Slut shaming" happens much more often to women than to men, but it's often other women who use these derogatory terms about other women. Please find something more important to complain about than someone else's choices about their own body.
6. Their clothing.
I'd definitely be lying if I said that I've never done this. This brings back vicious middle school memories, actually. But everyone has their own sense of style, and they may not be wearing something that you'd put on your own body. Make yourself look good! People dress the way they do for different reasons, whether it be for comfort or because they like something a little different. Everyone has the right to wear what they like to!
7.Their vices or habits.
Everyone has something that they do to help themselves de-stress, and some of these methods are healthier than others. It's important to recognize the difference between an adult decision and something that is harmful to themselves or to others. I'm thinking specifically but not exclusively about smoking and drinking as I write this, habits that I've heard non-users judging users for. This one is a little tricky because these behaviors can definitely be unsafe, but concern is different from judging someone's choices. If you're concerned about someone, offer to help them. Don't judge them because they made a decision that you wouldn't make yourself.
8. Mistakes they made when they were younger.
We're not the same people we were three years ago, and not one of us is free from mistakes. We make decisions and mistakes and we learn from them, and these things shouldn't haunt us forever. That's not to say that giving someone unlimited chances for redemption is always the best decision, but people evolve and deserve to recover from their mistakes. No one is perfect.
9. How much or how little they eat.
The amount that someone eats doesn't merit any comment unless you know that they won't be offended by it. You never quite know what's going on with someone and their body, and it's better not to say anything unless you have a concern about them. "You eat so much" or "You eat nothing" doesn't make anyone feel good.
No one would ever make progress if they stayed within their comfort zone all of the time. Getting out there is great! Maybe you think someone isn't the best singer but they're going out for choir anyway. Let them live and do what makes them happy.
