The third agreement: Don’t make assumptions
We’re good at making assumptions. We spend most of our time thinking of exactly what people imply by their words or actions. And if we’re not doing that, we’re busy assuming we know our way around things, so we don’t need help or guidance.
Assumptions in themselves aren’t bad, what is bad is that they lead us into unnecessary conclusions that release emotional poison.
⚡️Most assumptions are not true, so, as much as possible, decline from making assumptions. Seek the truth instead.
Take marriage as a case study. Many people try to justify love. They assume they can change people when they finally go down the aisle together, but experience shows that this is simply not true.
Don’t assume you can change people. Instead, marry someone that’s compatible. Someone with whom you share similar values and worldview.
Once you stop making assumptions in all you do, you’ll find that your relationship with others gets better. Even your manner of communication improves, too.
⚡️Always remember: If you don’t understand something, it’s better to ask than assume you know it.
This leads us to the last agreement.