This is one of my favorite words and I will explain why in a moment. Assumption is the belief that you have all you need to know to make a decision. To assume without the full facts can automatically make you weak and uninformed. I find this incredibly sad and wonder why people do this. A rush to judgement maybe? No interest to learn more? We are not mind readers and without full knowledge we are ignorant of the truth.
I have always been someone who loves to ask questions and learn more about others I come into contact with. We all have a story and its fun to discover. Personally I find it very tiresome when you are introduced to someone and he/she immediately launches into a monologue of what they do, what they own, how much they paid for their house, how much they earn, blah, blah, blah. To murder a phrase here, You bored me at Hello! I prefer meeting a person who enters into a back and forth dialogue and you can equally enjoy getting to know about each other and you might actually learn something interesting.
Having worked with many people from all over the world, I was always the inquirer. It was my job to engage, find the mutual ground, and build a relationship. I could not assume anything, as I needed the facts. This was good for me and I found it fascinating. On the other hand I came to realize how many people have a form of identity crisis or low self-worth and they have a strong need for approval of their achievements. That’s where you end up with the monologue.
When one person is doing all the talking and not asking the other any questions, then they are assuming they know everything they need to know about you, right or wrong. You are automatically put in a pigeonhole and filed away. I cannot begin to tell you how many people I have known professionally for a number of years who have said to me on discovery, “Oh I didn’t know you were married” or “I didn’t know you had a son”. “You have traveled all over the world? Really? I didn’t know that”. They never bothered to ask! This is why I love the word assumption. For me it has been a showstopper! I have watched their mouths drop when they did actually take the time to find out more about me. I just think what a shame that these ‘legends in their own minds’ just don’t know what they don’t know!
Assumption
You are full of hot air
Blowing out so hard
Yes, you are amazing you think
But actually I’m feeling quite scarred
You could empty a room
By making an entrance
Your reputation precedes you
It’s becoming a hindrance
So busy talking
You don’t see the signs
Our eyes are rolling in our heads
I wish you could read our minds
Talking about only yourself
Is so very indulgent
Your assumption is that
We are less important
You assume so much
You think you know me well
But I have a surprise for you
Yet I won’t be able to tell
By doing what you do
You are missing the best
Everyone is interesting
If only you were less self-impressed
So comes the day
When you are forced to be quiet
And someone else takes the stage
And your tongue falls out
Do you see what you miss
By hearing only you
There’s a whole world out there
And you could learn a thing or two
Interesting is good
But interested is better
Learn from what you hear
Not from your own chatter
Knowledge is power
For all who subscribe
Your history is yours
Enough of your diatribe
So interesting I’m sure
The talk of your tale
But please excuse me sir
I need another cocktail
Christine Bolton
Follow Poetry For Healing on WordPress.com
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