False Assumptions

Assumptions are something that every human has experienced and most likely make on a daily basis.  It's quite understandable and inevitable for us to make assumptions -- as social animals, we make assumptions about strangers to create a sort of "back story" to the person to help us judge whether or not they are likely to make a good companion (not specifically romantic).

For example: "That sales rep. is smiling and seems to enjoy what she's doing.  Maybe she'd be willing to help me." or "That sales rep. looks really angry.  She might snap at me if I approach." or even "That classmate looks like a really smart pushover.  I can probably convince him/her to let me copy his/her homework!"  Bad examples, but it gets the point across.

Assumptions are also made to fill in the gaps of a story so that we can better understand the flow of things.  

However, not all assumptions are good.  Some studies even suggest that physically attractive individuals are rated as being more sociable, friendly, and happy (but we all know that this is not always the case).  False assumptions are normal, I'm not saying that they're okay, but it happens.

Perhaps the most aggravating thing to me though, is when people make false assumptions about someone (they don't really know), and then start to gossip and spread rumors based on those false assumptions.

This is something that has happened a lot to my friends and I after we met a certain group of people.  I know, I promised a few people that I wouldn't let this bother me, but honestly, I feel like crap right now.  

What, are we in elementary school again (mind you, you didn't want to mess with me then; I was a bully)?  What is going on in your life right now, that you would feel the need to talk about me -- me, whom you only see once every other month?

People need to understand that doing this will cause misunderstandings about those who are involved, and those around them.  It can really fuck things up.

Not only did those stupid, fake words put stress on friendships, it just downright makes me feel shitty about myself.  Amazingly, even though the misunderstanding was cleared up, I still find it difficult to bring myself to speak to that person.

Thanks a lot.  I think we should all get our shit together.