Judging Others So Harshly: The Psychology of Moral Superiority

Judging Others. It can be easy to judge other people’s choices, relationships, behaviours, or lifestyles, especially when they don’t align with our own values or beliefs. But often, the people who are quickest to criticise others can struggle to recognise their own contradictions, blind spots, or double standards.

Many of us unconsciously place ourselves on a moral “high horse,” comparing ourselves to others in ways that create division, shame, defensiveness, or superiority. But real integrity isn’t about pretending to be perfect or looking down on other people. It’s about being honest with ourselves, recognising our shared flaws and humanity, and trying to live in alignment with the values we claim to hold.

In this video, I explore judgement, double standards, self awareness, and why humility and compassion often create far more connection than criticism ever will.

Gavin Reid LGBTQ+ therapist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gavin Reid BA (Hons), MBACP is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist based in Manchester, offering online and in person counselling for LGBTQ+ adults. He is an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) Therapist with Pink Therapy and has over 1,000 hours of client experience supporting LGBTQ+ people.

His work focuses on LGBTQ+ mental health, shame, identity, minority stress, relationships, trauma and recovery and the impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Alongside professional training in counselling, trauma and GSRD therapy, Gavin also brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face.

Gavin Reid LGBTQ+ therapist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gavin Reid BA (Hons), MBACP is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist based in Manchester, offering online and in person counselling for LGBTQ+ adults. He is an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) Therapist with Pink Therapy and has over 1,000 hours of client experience supporting LGBTQ+ people.

His work focuses on LGBTQ+ mental health, shame, identity, minority stress, relationships, trauma and recovery and the impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Alongside professional training in counselling, trauma and GSRD therapy, Gavin also brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face.