I’d like to sit down and have a talk with the world. I’d make sure there were lots of comfy chairs, and tea and cookies so everyone would have a bit of a snack. Snacks always seem to make people feel better.

After everyone had tea, I would bring out blindfolds and have people make their way to a seat. No one would be allowed to see who or what they were sitting next to, and everyone would get to just talk. No questions could be asked about race or religion, and everyone would be given the same 3 questions to ask.

1. What do you value most in your life?
2. What is the most difficult thing you are facing right now?
3. How can I help you?

Imagine being blindfolded then sitting next to people you don’t know. Would you feel comfortable? Would you be scared? Would you be able to say something about the people around you without seeing them? Without knowing race, religion, body size, gender, or sexual orientation, would you be able to say something judgemental or would you have to start out kind?

My point is, and I’m going to be brief, is that when we live in a small box and don’t open our hearts up to possibilities, we rob ourselves and others of happiness and joy. Because we are taught to make judgements based on what we see at such and early age, it’s almost impossible not to form immediate prejudices. With a staggering statistic of approximately 3 seconds to decide that first impression, it feels like we just don’t stand a chance.

Imagine being able to have a relationship with anyone? I don’t mean a romantic relationship, I mean friend or business, even mild aquantance, without what you see as being “good” or “bad” interfering with your decision.

Why are we scared when we see tattoos and piercings? Why does a fat person gross you out? Why does another religion make you feel like you have to defend your own, rather than understand and be accepting of theirs? Why is someone a bad parent because their kids make stupid decisions without taking in to account consequences? Why does sexual orientation make you approachable or not?

Imagine if we could ask those 3 questions, without our own judgements getting in the way. Maybe we could all be friends.