ASS-U-ME

Making a judgement on someone’s motives is a natural move. Cats meow, dogs bark, and people judge.

As we know, the people who are most sensitive to being judged are often the judgiest. It’s hard wired in us to judge. It keeps us safe. It keeps us from pain but can also cause it. Especially in the emotional realm.

Assuming why they did it is like a slippery boat ramp. Slippery because it perpetuates misunderstanding.

Understanding requires an open stance towards the other. If we’ve predetermined motive without checking in, resentment builds. Resentment builds right into anger. Anger follows us like a hungry dog.

So then what? We “have to” forgive. Forgive an offense that was likely fabricated in our own mind. Hence the old ass-u-me axiom.