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6 Answers
Brian Fox
Brian Fox, CTO, Husband, Proud Father, Polymath, Martial Artist
I agree with most of the sentiments expressed here: stop being pompous and viewing yourself as better than others.  Having high standards doesn't give you the right to judge others; it provides a "measuring rod" for what you are willing to tolerate and establishes the foundation of your personal behavior.  I have very high standards, but I don't have the right to force them upon anyone else.  As a result, if someone is behaving in an intolerable fashion from my perspective, I have the choice to avoid future interaction with them or to refuse to conduct myself in a similar manner when I'm forced to be around them.  If the opportunity presents itself, I can respectfully share how their behavior offends or is different than mine, but they have the right to either change their behavior or tell me to "kiss where the sun doesn't shine."  At that point, I once again have the right to accept their refusal to change or minimize my interaction with them.

I am forced for professional reasons to interact with people who are blatantly profane (I don't curse), exhibit continual crude behavior, etc., and without me saying a word (except in extreme circumstances) or demonstrating my disapproval via my body language, they began excusing themselves when cursing around me or exhibiting some of the behaviors which they noticed I don't involve myself in although I informed them that they owe me no apology.  One of the main reasons why they've adjusted their behavior around me is that they know I truly care about them and treat them with respect despite their standards being different or lower than mine instead of me acting critical toward them.  I give them the grace to be themselves without my scrutiny and expect the same since I know I have areas where I'm imperfect (for example, I can be abrupt, sarcastic and a know-it-all).

Finally, would you want to be under the same critical inspection over your own life than you subject others to continually?  You might be surprised to learn that if you express your critical observations of others that they would quickly respond with similar and possibly more flaws in your personality (including being judgmental, condescending and dismissive) than you perceived in them.
Ajeet Gupta
Ajeet Gupta, IIT Roorkee, Boston University MBA
Simple, before criticizing the person, put yourself in his/her shoes and imaging the situation. Think what you could have done different in those situation. Don't say anything to him/her when you are with a group and keep quite. When you are alone, try to make him understand as how he would have benefited if he had acted otherwise. If he listens to you, you have got your friend. If not, you have done your duty and can be happy about what you have done. Lastly, you have added few karma points by telling him "something which he should not have done" and boosted your confidence.
Sabrina Couture

My own experience with “lowering my standards” has been that it occurs when the information I am receiving is unlike anything I ever heard before of which I feel I “need to investigate”. Sometimes it is difficult to do this without “lowering one's own standards” however temporary it is to you but believingly permanent to a person who does not know you very well. Asking a sincere question or questions about something involves a response or responses for you to utilize and assess the information received. This form of communication may be able to make you into a less critical person since in this position - you are not judging and criticizing first.

Lex Devlin
Lex Devlin, People tell me I give good advice

Reach an understanding that being critical, in general, is the less beneficial path to take. Negative people tend to be less attractive in social situations and perceive themselves as less or not good enough most of the time. Taking a positive attitude is what allows me to have great relationships; people always look up to optimistic (not delusional mind you) thinkers. Positive thinking is what makes me believe in myself when I feel like doubting myself. The brain can't distinguish between imagination and reality, meaning whatever you believe is what your reality becomes. You have control over how you perceive your surroundings, so why not consciously choose the happier and more rewarding option?

The positive side of things may not always seem like the most logical, but incorporating it into your mind and outward character will bring you closer to a better life whenever you can muster it.

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Quora User
Quora User, BSc (Hons) Psych & Stats, 1981, Univ. of London
First, you keep things light and lightweight and on an even keel in most situations for the most number of people. That then makes you not come over as 'intense.'

Second, apply The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated by others. That then makes you less critical in the eyes of yourself and others.

Combine the two and the answer will come to you quite naturally.
Quora User
Quora User, I am sorry if this answer seems harsh.
Criticize yourself for being judgmental. That is a terrible trait. When you realize what a flaw you possess, you will be more gentle in your evaluation of others.