There was this girl at school who I pre-judged. She was one of the popular, pretty girls who got all the guys and just seemed a bit stuck up cause she closed herself off from most people. I thought about her this way for three years. But then I learned something about her that made me see her differently. Actually, it's something that I can really relate too. She was going through family problems cause her addict brother was abusing her family (like my bro is). Ever since we learned that about eachother we kind of had a quiet understanding of eachother. I was the only one who knew about her problem (even her best friends didnt) and she wanted it to stay that way. Then more recently we really had a chance to talk to eachother. We realized that her and I can relate to eachother on SO many things that other people don't understand. I said I admired her strength because she hides it SO well. She looked at me shocked and was like "What are you talking about?! I've always admired you and actually you're my strength right now to try to fix my relationship with my brother." (I still have an OK relationship with mine, but she had closed her's off). We even started crying. I was closer with her at that point than I have been with 90% of the friends I have. We're not best friends now, but I truly care for her and have SO much respect for her, and I know she has the same for me. I just think it's kinda interesting how I once didnt like this girl on the sole fact I decided to pre-judge her, and if I hadnt decided to get to know her better, I would still not have anyone I could relate to so perfectly. She has helped me so much now! I consider her one of the few people who has truly touched my life and made a mark.
So yeah... that's my lesson on pre-judging! Just be open to everyone... I know sometimes their's a fear of a truly mean person hurting you (god knows i've fallen into that trap) but i've found that it does more good than bad.
(wow, i wrote A LOT huh? haha)