I've been reading The Four Agreements, and the third agreement is: don’t make assumptions. One thing that I believe everyone is guilty of is assuming that someone else, even our closest friends or family members, knows what they are thinking and understands their perspective – myself included. Everyone is also guilty of assuming they know what someone is thinking or understand their perspective. However, because of various reasons, without being confident in ourselves, we may be scared to raise a question in fear of their perception of us, which, ironically, could resolve all of the original concerns regarding whether what we think they are thinking, they are actually thinking.

It’s quite strange to think that with the constant and somewhat diverse voices or alternative versions of our own voices talking inside our heads, whether we believe it or not, and whether we are, in fact, perceiving our counterparts' thoughts correctly, we are still making an assumption. Until we raise the question for which we seek the answer, without asking the questions, we can never truly be confident in understanding or knowing what someone else is thinking.

Through truly understanding that regardless of what we think, the perception from our minds and the minds of those within our circle may be completely different. Yes, there is a good chance that those closest to us share opinions, ideas, and a very simplistic perspective, but without delving deeper into the quest for knowledge from each, we are never truly able to know. Even then, we may not be receiving the truth, or 100% of the truth anyhow.

The old saying goes, "if you assume, you make an ass out of u and me," which I think, to an extent, is an accurate perspective of the idea of making assumptions. Sure, in various facets, making the assumption can bear fruit and be a wonderful experience for you, or me, or everyone. However, as an intelligent species, we should also look for solid understanding of anything and everything in order to progress further in our lives and the world as a whole.

Never assume, and always be courageous enough to ask questions. Without doing so, we put ourselves, our counterparts, and the relationships we hold dearest at risk. This is purely due to our minds leading toward assumptions, over logic, reason, and the desire to seek a solid understanding of one another.

Thanks,

Dean