A few years ago, I was working night duties at a hospital. Two senior consultants alternated in the ICU. One of them was everyone’s favourite—warm, generous, always treating the team to dinner and making the night shifts easier. The other was strict, constantly pointing out mistakes, and not very approachable. Naturally, we preferred working with the first one.

One night, I overheard a conversation between the two consultants. To my surprise, the kind and friendly one was mocking the junior doctors and criticizing our work. The “strict” consultant, on the other hand, was defending us. That moment shifted something in me.

Since then, I’ve come across many people with two very different sides. Some are warm and charming in public but speak poorly behind others’ backs. Others appear rough or reserved, yet their hearts are kind and intentions sincere.

Over time, I’ve learned to look beyond appearances. I stopped judging people based on how they present themselves. Often, those labelled as difficult or short-tempered turn out to be deeply compassionate—just like a jackfruit: tough outside, sweet within.

The biggest lesson? Not everything that glitters is gold.

How often do you form opinions about people without knowing their true character?