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DC Relationship Psychology Examiner

Rise above assumptions

July 9, 1:08 PMDC Relationship Psychology ExaminerErin Wilson
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Keep assumptions to a minimum - rely on facts only!

Take the following advice into consideration:

Don’t jump to any conclusions so soon that you are unable to accept the correct information as it comes to you.

Wrong assumptions tend to get the best of all of us, and can sometimes ruin the best of relationships. When placed in a situation where we are left to fill in the blanks, we oftentimes do so with the worst case scenario. People who are conditioned to expect the worst case scenario, generally do so because at some point in their lives they have actually lived the worst case.  Not only does this give way to an unhealthy existence, but it can be detrimental to relationships in general.

Take a look at these helpful guidelines, to be sure that you aren’t jumping to conclusions and into a fight!

Talk first, react later!  Make a conscious effort to withhold assumptions until you have had the chance to discuss the situation with your partner first. Flying off the handle about a soap opera worthy storyline that you dreamed up is sure to cause unnecessary drama, and will result in an undue strain on your relationship.

Put your fears aside and listen!  Keep an open mind when your partner does explain the situation. Allowing your assumptions (and your reaction to those assumptions) to override the facts presented will prevent any sort of resolution. It also highlights the apparent distrust that exists between you two.  Don't let your fears blind you to the truth.

Kick the habit!  If you are the type of person that naturally functions in a glass-half-empty state of mind, don’t give up hope! Living in the negative is a learned response, and therefore can easily be changed just as any other bad habit.  Teach yourself a new trick - replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts! When you are facing challenging situations, make a conscious effort to focus on the bright side. Remember, practice makes perfect. It will take time before it comes naturally, but with patience and persistence you will learn a more positive way of thinking.

Invite facts into the equation! If you find your mind drifting to the dark side, reroute that energy into investigating the truth. Not only does this provide clarity as to what’s really going on, it also also makes use of that nervous energy for a positive cause - relieving a considerable amount of anxiety from your mind.  Invest in the truth, and a more a more relaxed state of mind.

Jumping to conclusions can only poison your relationship. Stick to these guidelines and have trust in your partner – you will soon find a positive effect all around.

"Assumption is the mother of the screw-up” ~Angelo Donghia

For more info: email me at erinhelpme@gmail.com.  Be sure to check out a few of my other articles:  Love can be lost, enjoy it now, Dealing with depression in a relationship, and How to say I'm sorry.
This article is protected by the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License

 

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