Things You Should Never Assume About Someone Else, According To Psychology

Here are some things that you should never assume about other people.

Things You Should Never Assume About Someone Else, According To Psychology

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Quiet people are unfriendly

Just like extroverts can be seen as self-centered because they are outgoing, quiet people are often misunderstood as distant or unfriendly. Their quietness doesn’t mean they aren’t interested—it’s just a different way of interacting with the world. Introverts often prefer to listen and observe, taking in information before sharing their ideas, which can make what they say more thoughtful.

Everyone thinks the same way you do

We often think our way of seeing things is the 'normal' one, so we expect others to see the world just like we do. After all, it makes perfect sense to us, right? But here’s the truth: everyone has their own set of experiences, beliefs, and values that shape how they see things. They might view a situation completely differently from you.

More friends mean a better social life

It’s not about how many friends you have, but how close and meaningful those friendships are. A few deep, genuine connections can be more fulfilling than having a lot of shallow ones. So here’s a simple tip: instead of focusing on making more friends, put time and effort into strengthening the relationships you already have.

People's behaviour is a reflection of their character

There is something called the “fundamental attribution error.” It’s a term from psychologist Lee Ross that explains how we often blame people’s behavior on their character, without considering what they might be going through. Realizing this can help you be more understanding and less quick to judge.

Extroverts are inherently self-centered

Just because someone is outgoing doesn’t mean they only care about themselves. They’re just being true to who they are, and everyone has their own way of interacting with the world. It’s not about being self-absorbed but about how each of us processes our thoughts and feelings.

People do not change

A study by Roberts, Walton, and Viechtbauer (2006) showed that personality traits aren’t set in stone. By looking at data over time, they found that traits like agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability often improve as people get older, suggesting that we can become more emotionally balanced and adaptable. So, the next time you think someone can’t change, remember: people can grow and transform at any stage of life.

People's way of expressing

Everyone expresses feelings differently, shaped by upbringing, culture, or personality. Some people might be more expressive, while others prefer to deal with emotions privately. Assuming everyone will show their emotions in a similar manner can lead to misunderstandings.

Struggles are always visible

Mental or emotional struggles aren't always apparent. Just because someone seems happy or composed on the outside doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling internally. Never assume someone is fine based on appearances alone; sometimes, the most painful battles are the ones you can’t see.

Success is defined the same way by everyone

Not everyone measures success by wealth, status, or achievements. For some, success might mean living a balanced life, nurturing a loving family, or having the freedom to pursue a passion. People have unique definitions of fulfillment, so it’s crucial to respect what success means to each person.

If someone loves you, they’ll act the way you expect

People have different ways of expressing love and care, often tied to their love language, whether it's words of affirmation, acts of service, or quality time. Assuming that love should be shown only in ways you understand can lead to feelings of being unloved or unappreciated, even when the other person genuinely cares.