Saturday, February 25, 2017
Do Y'all Make Assumptions?
Making assumptions is one of the easiest things to do.
Look at this picture.
It was easily and quickly assumed by the internet that those guys were unfeeling beasts for making a pregnant woman stand while they sat. The internet. What a bunch of judgy...wires? Connections? People? Anyway...
At what point did anyone wonder if they offered but she declined? I can remember declining offers to sit when I was pregnant because I was more comfortable standing at that point or figured it was easier than trying to get up from the sitting position. What if she had been sitting all day and needed to stand? There are a plethora of reasons why she's standing and they're sitting. So, why does the general public automatically assume it's because the men are being unfeeling?
I find that when I make an assumption, I am wrong. Of course, that doesn't usually include assumptions based on track records. Those are the assumptions that we make based on facts we know to be true about people. They will, however, backfire on our faces when those people change and try to do better. Mostly, my assumptions turn out to be incorrect and a total waste of time because they're based more on things like my insecurities or trust issues. And that's on me.
Not to mention how exhausting the disappointments are when we assume people are going to do what we feel is the right thing. Or they're going to be kind. Or they have the utmost respect for their fellow human beings and every other living thing. Or they care more about others than themselves. Maybe that's what we get for having expectations. Or for judging others for not doing things the way we do them or want them done.
Are y'all guilty of making assumptions?
There's a giveaway going on right now! Click RIGHT HERE and see what you could win!
Look at this picture.
It was easily and quickly assumed by the internet that those guys were unfeeling beasts for making a pregnant woman stand while they sat. The internet. What a bunch of judgy...wires? Connections? People? Anyway...
At what point did anyone wonder if they offered but she declined? I can remember declining offers to sit when I was pregnant because I was more comfortable standing at that point or figured it was easier than trying to get up from the sitting position. What if she had been sitting all day and needed to stand? There are a plethora of reasons why she's standing and they're sitting. So, why does the general public automatically assume it's because the men are being unfeeling?
I find that when I make an assumption, I am wrong. Of course, that doesn't usually include assumptions based on track records. Those are the assumptions that we make based on facts we know to be true about people. They will, however, backfire on our faces when those people change and try to do better. Mostly, my assumptions turn out to be incorrect and a total waste of time because they're based more on things like my insecurities or trust issues. And that's on me.
Not to mention how exhausting the disappointments are when we assume people are going to do what we feel is the right thing. Or they're going to be kind. Or they have the utmost respect for their fellow human beings and every other living thing. Or they care more about others than themselves. Maybe that's what we get for having expectations. Or for judging others for not doing things the way we do them or want them done.
Are y'all guilty of making assumptions?
There's a giveaway going on right now! Click RIGHT HERE and see what you could win!
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My first thought was , "I bet she wanted to stand" having been in a similar position. If someone who has never been there done that would, of course, assume the worst. Human nature does that! And the internet is the perfect venue.
ReplyDeleteSee? That was my first thought, too. I will never understand why we go to the negative first. It does become a habit, though, if we're not careful. You're right, the internet is the perfect venue for spreading negativity.
DeleteIf they had gotten on at an earlier stop they may not have even noticed she was pregnant. One looks asleep and the others are involved with their phones. And as you said she may have wanted to stand. Who are we to judge? Good post. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Why do we always jump to conclusions? Or is it the influence of the internet? Thanks! Hope you get some Colton time this weekend!
DeleteGood post, Pam. We are all guilty of making these assumptions without knowing the true facts, and I agree that the Internet, and social media in particular, does often make matters worse. When did we all become so cynical - always ready to believe the worst? Hope you're having a good weekend over there.
ReplyDeleteWhen did we become so cynical is a good question. When and WHY? Have a great weekend!
DeleteI am guilty of this. Someone once told me when we assume, we make an ass of u and me.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way the saying goes. I think I heard it from a teacher in elementary or middle school. They aren't wrong. :)
DeleteHence, never judge a book by its cover! Hope you have a great Sunday!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sista!
DeleteIn that shot, I would have thought they were all rude for not offering her a seat. Now if that is judgmental, or drawing conclusions, then shame on me. However, I have learned not to set my expectations too high...it is far less stressful...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWe all see things differently, that's for sure. I'm with you on the expectations. I try not to set any at all. It always ends in disappointment when I do. Have a great day!
DeleteAw yes I am afraid I am guilty as charged.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely new week Pam!
I'm sure there were others who could have offered her a seat if those guys didn't. But I feel better thinking they offered and she declined. I would have declined. It was too hard to get back up. LOL Thanks, Kim! You have a good one, too!
DeleteYou're absolutely right. And I am JUST as guilty of making unfair assumptions based on a moment or a snapshot or something taken completely out of context... but who knows what her story was and if she asked to stand. Anyway, thanks for the reminder--I think we all need to get out of our own heads a bit more :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that we do need to get out of our own heads. Mine is so muddled I hope I can even find an exit. LOL Thanks!
Delete