It's been a hard week and my friend suggested to meet up for lunch. I needed an honest conversation where no one judges the other and a good meal. "I'll meet you at the restaurant", I said to her. "Take your time". Twenty minutes later, she hadn't shown up yet and although the restaurant was empty, the waiter was pacing the place impatiently... “Are you going to order for God’s sake… I really want to go back to my phone and unlock the next level on Candy Crush”, he seemed to think.

I texted her and asked what she wanted to eat and when she replied, I called the waiter:
- Can I please have the Salmon salad, the Steak Frites and a side of mashed potatoes?
- Are you waiting for someone?
I knew it wasn't an innocent question: "Don't worry, I am not going to eat all this alone… I don’t need to eat my feelings… at least not today," I said.
"I thought so... this is so much food for one person anyway," he replied.
I rolled my eyes at him and forced a smile as he mumbled an apology. "I am not judging, I am just making an observation.”

People judge all the time... and it doesn't really matter. We live in a free world and people have the right to express their thoughts and opinions. However, in certain situations like the one I just described, some comments resonate more like judgements than like observations. But let’s face it: We are all being judged every day and here’s why and that’s ok.

1- When you sit alone at a restaurant and the waiter asks you: "Is it going to be just you?" Yes, I am seeking some quietness and you aren't really helping. I have friends… real ones, not imaginary. I am not lame, don't worry! And If I came alone, it means that you should leave me alone too!

2- When you order dessert after your main course and the waiter asks you: "Are you sharing?" Well I am not! Appetizers are made to be shared! Pain Perdu is not!

3- When you order an item on the menu and the waiter says: "This is deep fried"... Are you suggesting that I should have a healthier meal? Are you recommending that I could use less calories?

4- When you're checking a clothing item at a shop and the clerk tells you: "This is expensive". What exactly in my face or attire suggests that I can't afford it? Should I dress for a red carpet when I go shopping for brands?

5- When you pick a clothing item from the rack to try on and the clerk tells you: "Small won't fit, try medium"! Yes, I gained a few kilos, you don't need to remind me because the waiter just did!