I have a good example: I assumed the fire didn't start, so I moved the piece of wood around to get it more air, and I put out the timid flame that was trying to get hold....starting from scratch is no fun!

I also have an example.
About a year ago new neighbors moved in behind us. We met them the first day and they seemed like a very nice couple. They said they had a son that lived and worked in China.
A few months later we heard what we thought was a woman wailing. A few weeks later we heard it again. I did not assume that it was domestic violence, but I did not know what else it could be.
A few weeks later they invited us over, I could not go but DH went. Come to find out that they have an adult daughter that is autistic and when she has a meltdown, she wails.That never entered my mind.
We also have new neighbors next door, they have two small boys, 6 and 11. They came over with their boys, and explained that the youngest boy is autistic, and when he has a meltdown, he screams.
I'm so glad they told us that, because we have heard him scream, and I would probably have assumed he was being hit.
Great topic today, anneliese. Food for thought.

Me today. My full trashcan is safe behind the house, the wind wont bother it. Sure - first I had to find trashcan clear down the hilll and across the mainstreet and then I had to clean up my trash in my neighbor's and my yard. 65 mph gusts. But while I was at it, another neighbor and I coralled 5 more trashcans and trash for the people who were at work. Which reminds me, I have to bring the can out to the street, pick up early in the morning, luckily the wind has died down.

I've done the trash can chase also. Here in Silicon Valley we have mostly mild winds, so who knew that full trash cans could take flight? Not me.

The saying about 'assumptions' always comes to my mind when I find myself starting a sentence with those words. Don Miguesl Ruiz nailed it when he said 'we are always making assumptions"

Great quotes, Anneliese. Thank you.