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Making positive assumptions of people improves relationships and social cohesion
Making reactive negative assumptions is social pollution
I’ve been wanting to write about this for years. Then an interaction I overheard Wednesday and another bad social hygiene interaction this morning reminded me why. Pull up a chair and be prepared to share this argument for better communciation with your friends because FOR THE LOVE OF TED LASSO we need a cultural shift immediately.
Please read this post with the tone of Betty White exasperation. It’s not my usual brand but it’s my genuine emotion right now and I’m trying a thing. (ETA: Okay, upon further reflection, this post says otherwise about Betty White not being my brand. Maybe sometimes. https://link.medium.com/1bEgdKjP0mb)
What are positive vs. negative assumptions in communication?
When someone does or says something and we assume we know what they were thinking, what they meant, what impact they wanted to have, or how they did it, etc, a negative assumption assumes nefarious intent, immorality, or attack.
Example A:
Wife: “Are you headed to bed already?”
