Discover how assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. Gain insights into the impact of assumptions and learn how to avoid them.
Making assumptions is a common human tendency where we believe we know what someone else is thinking or has done without actually asking them. It’s like creating a whole movie in our minds, only to realize later that we were completely off track.
This realization often leaves us feeling regretful.
However, despite knowing the negative consequences, we still find ourselves making assumptions time and time again.
The truth is, that assumptions arise due to a lack of communication. Instead of engaging in open dialogue, we rely on assumptions, and we all know that this rarely leads to a positive outcome.
What brings us to assume?
Laziness
To communicate with someone, it asks you to think about what you need to say. Sometimes that effort is too much for you. Just look at how people communicate by messages. They want shortcuts all the time, and they use abbreviations that only they innerstand. Then there are misunderstandings and confusion. People fight because of it. That is why I don’t like text messages so much because they leave you with so many interpretations, the tone, does the person is angry or sad or else.
Fear
Some people are afraid to ask for clarification because they think it will make them look bad. So, they prefer to guess what the person meant. For those who have anxiety is even a terrible experience.
Avoid assumptions to avoid confusion
Don’t talk at the same time
When you are talking at the same time, you don’t hear one another; it is just noise. When you separate, you think you heard what the other person was saying and go with it. Let the person talk then you will be able to respond accordingly to what he/she says and you are certain you heard well.
Listen
It is important to listen first to what the person is saying. When you pay attention to what the person is telling you, you can even hear the tone, or if the person is sharing information, but would like your input to clarify if what he/she is saying makes sense. Don’t be in a rush. People don’t take the time to listen. They always need to be somewhere else for some reason. It is hard to be in the here and now. What also happens is that you are there pretending to listen, but your mind is already on your next move. As I wrote earlier, people have a hard time with the here and now. Doing something else while listening means they didn’t hear anything.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
You are allowed to ask questions if you don’t innerstand. You want to make sure that all is clear and the way you comprehend it is what the person meant. Some people are afraid to raise their hands and ask questions because they think people will think they are stupid. Again assumption.
Let’s look at an example. When at the office the copy machine needs paper or ink, people will think Oh! she/he will change the ink or put the paper. At the end of the day, nothing has been done.
Another example is you go to the theatre movie and there are two lines, one is for those who need to buy their ticket and the other is for those who already have their ticket. You just go to the line where people already have their tickets,assuming there are a lot of people who are going to the movie. Then you wait and wait while the other line is moving to buy their ticket until it is sold out. You waste your time, and you won’t be able to watch the movie.
Communication and conversation are so important. How can we live without communicating?
Having a close relationship with someone often allows us to make assumptions about their habits based on our past experiences.
However, it’s important to remember that even with someone we know well, things can change unexpectedly.
Communication is a complex task, as people can argue about a topic only to realize they are essentially saying the same thing but using different words.
Unfortunately, listening to each other is often overlooked in these situations. It’s crucial to take the time to truly listen and ask questions when needed.
Quotes: Pause and remember – Making the wrong assumptions causes pain and suffering for everyone. — Jennifer Young
The way to keep yourself from making assumptions is to ask questions. — Miguel Angel Ruiz
But you are making assumptions without all the facts, and that’s not a sign of intelligence. — C.C. Hunter