Do you expect people to not be human? Do you get irritated by them when their humanness shows?

I love books like “Everyone Poops” by Tarō Gomi and Amanda Mayer Stinchecum, where they normalize being human. Everyone poops, so there is nothing to be ashamed of!

But do we really accept other people’s humanness? Or do we judge them?

I hear clients day after day who are upset and deflated by people’s humanness. They hold certain people at such a high standard, that they are disappointed when they make a mistake and are human. They dictate “shoulds” that everyone needs to follow, and get irritated when people aren’t doing what they “should” be doing.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t have standards for people (especially in close relationships), but I do think it is important to take a look at your standards and see if they are too high or set at a level that the other person isn’t capable of reaching them.

Ask yourself, “Do I expect people to be super-human?”Asking this can protect you from big let downs and frustrations.

Remember everyone poops, everyone sees things differently, everyone has stinky breath in the morning, everyone makes mistakes, everyone hurts someone they love sometimes, and sometimes we just have to accept people for being human! No one is perfect- not even you!

Written by Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC

Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC is a licensed therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Teri enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, couples and relationship counseling. Teri also does family counseling, child counseling, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.