Assume is a funny word because it makes an ass*u*me. I heard that definition when I was young and it has never left me. Let’s face it, some things in life are not as they appear. So it is best to never assume. At least not out loud!
As with all rules, there are a few exceptions. One of these exceptions left me shocked at a news story last July of a four-year-old boy who was asked not to patronize a donut shop because he asked a customer if she was pregnant. And the woman was not pregnant. REALLY? Let’s remove from the equation that he was four years old and being an inquisitive little boy.
Here’s a news flash: We, as adults, have asked the same kinds of questions when we should know better! It happens all the time. Maybe you have been the recipient of such a question or maybe you’ve embarrassingly asked the question.
Just a few days after giving birth to my firstborn son, I was asked by a sales register clerk when my baby was due. Who could blame her, as I was still carrying around extra weight and still puffy from my epidural. Another time, my husband came home from work and told me someone had mistook me as his mother in a photo in his office. I was mortified! Do I really look that old? My only hope and assumption was that this person perhaps had bad eyesight.
Today, I’m technically old enough to be a grandma, have sons that are old enough to be daddies, and with my greying hair may even look the part. But when you see me pushing that stroller through the park with my 2 year-old nephew or watching a movie at the theater with my 8 year-old niece, please don’t assume they are my grandchildren! Instead choose to flatter or shock someone by assuming the less obvious! You just may make someone’s day!
photo credit: shy donkey via photopin (license)