Don't Make Assumptions

The third agreement Ruiz discusses is the tendency to make assumptions, which often leads to misunderstandings and conflict. He explains that assumptions are dangerous because we believe them to be True without verifying the facts. 'We make assumptions about what others are doing or thinking — we take it personally — then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word,' Ruiz notes. To avoid the pitfalls of assumptions, he advises asking questions and seeking clarity in communication.