Communication: stop assuming

Don’t you just hate when a person assumes something about you or your actions and he/she builds up a whole story based on that assumption and reacts to you in regards to that and the vibe in the relationship becomes negative just because that person didn’t express their thoughts or ask questions to discover the truth??? It’s so annoying and is the cause of many relationships ruined and yet most of us continue to do it: assume without verifying. Communication could be so simple if people allowed themselves to open up to others with kindness.

Assuming instead of expressing yourself or asking questions to clarify an issue or situation wastes a lot of time and energy. It creates tension or conflict. It distances people from each other. Part of good communication on top of active listening is avoiding assumptions by asking questions to understand the other person better.

A person who sums it up very well is Don Miguel Ruiz. In his book “The Four Agreements” he says don’t make assumptions and I love how he simplifies what needs to be done for less drama in our lives.

Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want.

Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.

With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz