The worse two words in the English language in my opinion is “I assumed”. Let’s break it down. First, the word “I” implies that you had no input from anyone else before you made your statement. Second, the word “assumed” is a verb meaning “to accept something to be true without question or proof”. Let me list a few examples and for fun, put a “G” for guilty or “I” for innocent to each statement below to grade yourself.
- I assumed you were pregnant since you had gained so much weight.
- I assumed you had moved since I have not seen you around.
- I assumed Yucatan was a location in Mexico.
- I assumed you were picking up the kids.
- I assumed you were married.
- I assumed you could read.
- I assumed you believed in the same politics and the rest of us.
- I assumed you loved me not material treasures.
- I assumed you had gotten over that thing or that person.
- I assumed you heard what I said.
- (Bonus question) I assumed ………………………….(fill in the blanks)………………..
If you scored 90% or above guilty, I assume you are honest with yourself. If you scored under 50%, I assume you are either a Saint which is highly unlikely or not honest with yourself. No replies on the test please as only for self awareness.
The definition of assumption is “a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof….. example cited in Google is assumption you are a nerd if you wear glasses, even though that is not true or very nice.”
I believe more countries, families, religious or political opposing groups, etc. have battled based on assumptions with no true resolution. There are entire countries around the world that base their existence on conflicts from centuries old assumptions. Sad isn’t that we as humans make so many assumptions!
By the way if you assumed the Yucatan was a location in Mexico you get partial credit but do you know what it means? Early Spanish explorers made a fundamental assumption long ago as the story is told. If you do not understand what a person is saying do you just make an assumption or do you attempt to communicate differently to obtain a correct interpretation?
I know Memorial Day has already passed but did you assume those who were affected by the loss of a loved one to keep this country free was acknowledged for their sacrifices? Without assuming, it is never too late to do the right thing.
T