Sometimes I use that phrase when someone comes to me for advice and I'm trying to be honest but want them to understand something that may be difficult to hear. I mean, so yes, you are judging even when you use that statement, because you are only able to speak your opinion, but what I mean by it is that I'm not intending to be critical or negative, but to provide the feedback in an empathetic way.

For example, if someone at work asks me for feedback on a project, I try to judge the project based on what it's trying to accomplish and also give them feedback to make changes but also to not make them feel bad if the project isn't done very well or is missing the mark. One thing I will almost always say is that "the hardest thing is the first draft...here's my feedback to make this project stronger"...that usually goes over really well, because I'm not point out "how they did it wrong" but rather "how they can make it stronger."

I try to offer personal feedback (when asked obviously not just unsolicited) in the same way.

There is judging in terms of trying to assess something and form an opinion or give feedback and then there is sitting in judgement, meaning being hyper critical and even making assumptions about someone and their motives. We all make judgments all the time, but it's not the same as being judgmental.

Seesaw