We make a lot of assumptions about people. It's a very human reaction, and certainly not one to be ashamed of. We want to think we're good at "reading" people, or that we have some ability to play god. Like we know some undisclosed information from meeting a person at surface level. I'm sure, that in some ways, this is a very valuable trait. If someone looks like they're going to hurt you, then it's extremely beneficial to notice, and keep your distance. But it's also a trait that we abuse...

We've stereotyped and defined every part of human existence. Glasses make you intelligent, tattoos and scars make you a risk taker, long skirts make you conservative, and wearing makeup makes you fake. We decide what we know from an appearance, without ever meeting the person inside that body. And based on our decisions, we may never know that person at all.

How sad is it to think that your best friend may have been hiding behind their exterior that you wouldn't dare to get to know. I'm as guilty of passing judgement as anyone else is. But after being on the receiving end of this for what was the first noticeable time, I feel compelled to talk about how little we know from meeting someone at face value. I work a fast food job, I've got a few visible tattoos, I'm loud, and confident, and probably wear too much eyeliner. A few weeks ago I was confronted by an older woman in our store. She asked a lot of questions like "why a pretty girl would wear so much makeup" and my personal favorite, "why would you ever get tattoos?" Now, I must say that this question isn't new to me. And if you have a few tattoos, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Everyone and their mother, sister, brother and second cousin twice removed have something to say about what you decided to put on your body. But, that's a different conversation.

What was so off-putting about her questions, were that they weren't questions. They were statements. And at the end of the conversation, she told me that she'd pray for me that I'd find God. Let me start by saying that this is without a doubt the most lovely, and backhanded thing that I think you could possibly say to a person. As an atheist, I really appreciate when religious persons are willing to pray for me. You're spending your time hoping that I'm okay, or hoping that I can get better. And I think that is wonderful. Even if I don't agree with your approach, thank you for thinking of me. But our conversation wasn't about religion. I could have been the most religious girl she's ever met, but she'd never know because she didn't ask. She assumed that because of my tattoos, attitude, or makeup, that I wasn't a religious person, and I very well could have been.

She also assumed that because of my circumstance at the time (tired, dirty from work, visible tattoos, etc.) that there was no way that I was educated. She hoped I planned to do something better with my life (which I appreciate, thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt, that I am capable of more). But she never asked what my plan was, or if I planned on doing this job forever. She just assumed I was stuck, and I'm not.

Moreover, by saying that, she indicated that there was something wrong with that lifestyle. And there isn't.

There's no reason to be ashamed of having a fast food job... Because at least you're employed.

There's no reason to be ashamed of being, or not being religious... Because that is a personal connection.

There's no reason to be ashamed of having, or not having tattoos... Because what you choose to put on your body is your decision.

and There's no reason to be ashamed of being the person that you are, and you should never let anyone make you believe that there is.

You can't know a person without meeting them, and no amount of stereotypes should make you believe that you can.