Assumptions

To assume is to make an "ass" of "u" and "me."

I know, this is cliche, but at the same time it is so very true. The person who makes the assumption without solid proof is deemed an ass for causing a potentially explosive situation. Also, as we humans are prone to reacting before thinking sometimes, the person who falls victim to the assumption will also be deemed an ass if he or she flares out. I know all too well. This morning a small assumption incident arose (I will not say who and what, it is of the mundane), and set me off on a day of moodiness. As such, I now write this to get it off my mind.

The solution is simple. For the person about to make an assumption, a couple of quick questions will generally give rise to a more accurate analysis of the situation at hand. No more than a few seconds of time can save a few hours, or even years of rift afterward. Prevention is the best cure.

However, prevention doesn't always work, so for the person who falls prey to an assumption, a simple explanation will suffice. Throwing a tantrum over being "falsely accused" is not going to make things better; indeed, generally that makes things worse. Again, a few seconds used to calm nerves for a more appropriate response will save ages of grudge bearing time in the future.

A small assumption isn't a big deal in itself. That is to say, it's not the end of the world if you're on the giving or receiving end of one. However, the implications of one can be a big deal, if both parties allow it to be. So, with the benefit of hindsight (many, many times, I might add), let's all take a step back, and let cooler heads prevail.