I would be wrong to assume you all read these

Photo by Ernie A. Stephens on Unsplash

Assumption - a thing that is accepted as true without proof.

I was talking to a friend the other day, and they told me of a rule made on a hike one day, where the person walking beside the other had to assume five things about the other person they did not know.

A terrific concept and such an excellent way to teach a valuable lesson. The assumptions we make of others are generally way off the mark.

What we see with our eyes and add gossip with others in our company generally comes up with a story far from the truth.

Is forming an opinion more interesting rather than asking the person out straight?

Or is it fear that stops people from asking, as it may come across as nosey or intrusive? 

But then again, what is worse?

The fictional fable we tell ourselves is the more interesting to most, however wrong it is.

Forming a story regarding another adds to those intrusive thoughts that torment many and judge another in a way.

We see a smiling face full of laughs and chat, so friendly and seemingly carefree, so we "assume" that person is happy and well, yet depression and sadness hide behind many a smiling face.

The person who posts constantly about an active social life, surrounded by people all the time, may be the loneliest of souls.

Assuming the holidays, some constantly have a comfortable lifestyle, yet we may still need to see their debt.

The couples who post photo after photo we assume are so in love, yet we do not think it may be toxic.

People are struggling all around us, yet we assume all is fine, so we do not need to ask if they are ok?

The people we see as beautiful assume they are vain and won't be nice, and we do not give our time to them, yet we do not see their possible insecurities.

The person we know may have had a chequered past, yet we assume they are still the same rather than finding out for ourselves.

We never see the battles everyone faces daily, yet the assumptions that are made allow us to feel better about ourselves.

Unless there is proof, then it was always an assumption.

And just like the lesson on that hike with that small prompt, the answer was simple, do not assume.

Is there something you assumed about someone in the past, or quite possibly now? that may need revisiting before it becomes a rumor or slander?

We can stop and end it by speaking out to those around us who assume it may not be as entertaining or exciting, but is it not the right thing to do?

As always, thanks for reading

Be kind to yourself, and each other

Marcus.