Mirror effect: Why judging others reveals more about us

Dr Ishrat Bano
ILLUMINATION
Published in
3 min readMar 11, 2024

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Photo by James Orr on Unsplash

(Listen here)

Ever caught yourself forming opinions about someone within moments of meeting them?

We’ve all been there. It’s a common human quirk.

However,

what if,

in those quick judgments, we’re not just sizing up others but unwittingly revealing the contours of our own character?

Let’s explore why judging a person defines who we are, not who they are.

When we are at a busy café, where people navigate their lives like characters on a stage. In these moments of assessment, we’re not merely observing; we’re creating a reflection of our inner world. The way we perceive others is a reflection of our inner world.

Recall a time when someone’s actions triggered a swift judgment. Were you aware that, in that instant, you weren’t just evaluating them, but also sketching the outlines of your own self-portrait?

Photo by Adalia Botha on Unsplash

This mirror effect is like holding up a looking glass, where judgments serve as brushstrokes coloring our self-perception. It’s a concept rooted in the understanding that our evaluations unveil more about our own biases, fears, and unresolved issues than the true essence of the person under scrutiny.

Let’s consider the universal truth that when we hastily judge, we expose our own struggles, insecurities, and preconceived notions. Judgments become messages written in invisible ink, decipherable only to those who comprehend the language of introspection.

So, why does this matter?

Recognizing that judging a person defines who we are, not who they are, can transform our relationships and interactions. It prompts us to reconsider knee-jerk reactions and encourages a more compassionate, open-minded viewpoint.

Envision a world where, instead of hastily labeling others, we take a moment to scrutinize our own reflections. This perspective shift can lead to more profound connections, a greater understanding of diverse experiences, and a more harmonious coexistence.

Photo by Raphaël LR on Unsplash

In essence, the mirror effect invites us to regularly wipe clean the glass of our perceptions. By doing so, we contribute to a world where empathy triumphs over judgment, and the intricate tapestry of human experiences is celebrated rather than oversimplified.

Final Thoughts:

We all should embrace the idea that judging a person defines who we are, not who they are. It’s a call to mindfulness, a reminder that our judgments are potent self-revelations.

Acknowledging this truth allows us to step into a world where understanding prevails, and the reflections we cast showcase the best versions of ourselves.

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