I have sort of a bad habit when it comes to relationships and sizing up humans. The foundation of my opinions is oftentimes based on (future) potential. I mentally acknowledge an individual’s gifts and abilities. I admire their strengths and imagine all the good they’re capable of. Seeing people for their potential is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be encouraging in helping them grow into a better version of themselves by getting them out of their own way and curbing self-doubt.

Contrariwise, some h...