Question and Thought for the Day March 8, 2025
Question of the Day: What’s your go-to takeout meal when you don’t feel like cooking?
Thought of the Day: Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. Dale Carnegie
Why We Judge—And Why We Shouldn’t
It’s easy to judge people. We do it all the time, often without even realizing it. We see someone lose their temper at the grocery store, ignore their kid at the park while staring at their phone, or cut us off in traffic, and we immediately write them off as rude, inattentive, or reckless.
But what if we took a step back? What if, instead of instantly condemning someone, we asked ourselves: Why might they be acting this way?
Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, put it simply:
“Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do.”
It’s not about excusing bad behavior—it’s about recognizing that people are more than their worst moments. That parent glued to their phone at the park? Maybe they just got a devastating email from work or are coordinating care for a sick loved one. The person who snapped at the barista? Maybe they’re running on two hours of sleep because their newborn was up all night. The aggressive driver? Maybe they’re racing to a hospital.
We don’t always get to know the reasons behind someone’s actions, but giving them the benefit of the doubt can change the way we move through the world. Compassion makes life lighter. It shifts our mindset from frustration to curiosity, from annoyance to patience. And most importantly, it reminds us that we’re all just doing our best with whatever life has thrown our way.
And let’s be honest—when we’re the ones having a rough day, wouldn’t we rather be understood than judged?
Understanding Yourself (and Your Takeout Preferences)
Speaking of giving people grace… let’s extend that same kindness to ourselves. Because some days, cooking dinner is simply not happening.
Maybe you’ve had a long day. Maybe you’re dealing with a million things at once. Or maybe, just maybe, you don’t want to cook, and that’s enough of a reason to grab your phone and order takeout. No guilt, no overthinking—just delicious food arriving at your doorstep.
So, let’s talk about the real question of the day: What’s your go-to takeout meal when you don’t feel like cooking?
Are you a pizza loyalist, always down for a perfectly cheesy slice with a crispy crust? Maybe sushi is your comfort food, with its fresh flavors and perfect bite-sized pieces. Or perhaps it’s all about the greasy, messy joy of a fast-food burger with extra fries.
For me, it’s the ease of ordering a pizza. Because sometimes, self-care means knowing when to step away from the stove and let someone else handle dinner.
What about you? What’s the takeout meal that never fails you when you just can’t deal with cooking? Drop your answer in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas for my next lazy night.
And remember, whether it’s food choices or people’s behavior, a little understanding goes a long way.
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