When we make assumptions about situations or people, we create filters that block us from seeing situations and people in any other way than the filter we created about them.
This only then reinforces these falsehoods that we have created based on absolutely nothing other than our mind’s fantasies. The mind likes to have the beginning, middle and end of everything and when it only has bits of the story it fills in the gaps. However, it never fills the gaps with positive thoughts and assumptions, only fear-based negative assumptions.
The better option is to be curious and ask people what they mean or feel. Observe situations and resist the temptation to make judgements. Don’t fill in the blanks and stop the suffering. This removes the filters and then we can see situations and people as they are not as we have believed them to be.
Philip Dodson 
Indeed. Well said. Living in the gaps is not easy, but ultimately more a place of love — for self and others.
Thanks 🙏