Making assumptions is natural for all of us. It’s an easy way to respond or imagine what might be going on in someone’s else’s head or a coping mechanism to understand why a person has taken a particular course of action. We don’t normally do it consciously, but we make a guess based on our imagination, past experiences or wishful thinking.

During my last two school board elections and now having served 8 months on the Fontana School Board, I have to remind those who I come into contact with to not make assumptions. Assumptions are dangerous because our brains will fill in information where gaps exist. Sometimes the information in those gaps are good, but most of the time you fill those gaps with bad information.

In order to reduce assumptions, individuals need to have a willingness to ask questions. When you get information straight from the “horse’s mouth,” there is no need to fill those blanks with bad information. Gathering accurate information allows for connecting the dots. It’s like trying to draw a connect the dots picture without the numbers or letters. One individual will draw one thing while another will draw something completely different. Connections that don’t really exist makes people jump to conclusions that are most likely wrong.

Another area of danger is making assumptions when emotions are high. Assumptions based on emotions can cause serious problems. Assuming with no facts can lead to anger, frustration, conflict, and hurt relationships. Ascertaining facts can save you unnecessary suffering and anger. Making assumptions instead of researching the truth or checking facts is a guaranteed way to raise tension in most relationships.

Therefore, the next time you assume things, do what we used to do back in the day and call the individual on the phone or meet with the individual face to face. Using text messages or other messaging apps can also cause you to make assumptions because that method is so impersonal. A personal interaction will allow you to read body language, listen to the tone, and hopefully gather accurate information so that you won’t make assumptions. The more information gathered the better your perspective.

So, don’t limit your mind to just one way of viewing things. Perceptions and perspectives are infinite!