In this episode, Terri-Ann Richards unpacks a subtle but powerful mental habit that’s quietly driving stress, disconnection, and frustration in our relationships: the way we judge others—and ourselves—without context.

Drawing from psychology and real-life examples, she explains the fundamental attribution error and how stress pushes our brains into protection mode, making us more reactive, certain, and judgmental.

Terri-Ann walks listeners through practical, compassionate strategies to interrupt this pattern, rebuild emotional safety in relationships, and replace certainty with curiosity—without excusing harmful behavior. This episode is a grounding reminder that much of our unhappiness isn’t caused by what happens, but by the meaning we assign to it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• We explain others’ behavior by character but our own by circumstances — often without realizing it
  
• Stress lowers our capacity for empathy and perspective-taking
  
• Judgment increases when we’re tired, overwhelmed, hungry, or emotionally overloaded
  
• Small interpretations, not big events, are what slowly erode relationships
  
• Adding context before drawing conclusions creates emotional intelligence
  
• Separating behavior from identity keeps relationships flexible instead of rigid
  
• Offering others the same grace we give ourselves reduces resentment and stress
  
• Replacing certainty with curiosity strengthens connection and wellbeing

Links and Resources:

Follow Terri-Ann Richards: https://terriannrichards.com/

The Happy Stack Newsletter: https://happystack.substack.com/

Success Takes Courage Book: https://a.co/d/dgOqpbj

Becoming the Eight Percent Book: https://a.co/d/gcqxerH

If this episode gave you a moment of recognition or relief, share it with someone who might need it.

Join the conversation by commenting with your thoughts, reflections, or experiences—and subscribe to The Happy Stack for more insights on building a calmer, more connected life.

• (00:00:01) - How to Live a Happier, More Satisfying Life
• (00:08:26) - 3 Ways to Shift Judgments