Why Assumptions Are the Grinch of the Holiday Season

In this festive yet thought-provoking episode, Dr. Julia Jingles  dives into one of the most relationship-wrecking habits of all time: making assumptions. With the holidays in full swing, the season of giving is often hijacked by the season of assuming. Dr. Julia unpacks why we make assumptions, how they create chaos, and what we can do to stop making an "ass" out of "u" and "me."

This episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement to help you navigate the holiday minefield with grace and communication.

Key Points Discussed:

•Introduction to Assumptions: Why assumptions wreak havoc during the holidays.

•How assumptions about gifts, hosting, and family dynamics can escalate into full-blown drama.

•Three Reasons to Stop Making Assumptions:

1. Confusion and miscommunication

2. Unnecessary drama

3. Wasted time and mental energy

Why We Make Assumptions

1. Limiting beliefs: The sneaky scripts like “I’m not good enough” or “They’re judging me” that drive faulty thinking. Upbringing: Silent treatments and passive-aggressiveness often lead us to "read between the lines" when we shouldn’t.

2. Religion and culture: How societal norms can shape assumptions about roles, behaviors, and traditions.

3. Cognitive shortcuts (heuristics): Our brain’s quick and dirty way of filling in the gaps—sometimes incorrectly.

3. Overconfidence bias: When you’re so sure you’re right that you skip asking the critical questions.

Three Steps to Catch Yourself Before You Assume:

1. Pause and fact-check: Replace emotional reactions with logical thinking by asking, "What do I know for sure?" Ask, don’t assume: A simple question can save hours of unnecessary tension.

2. Reframe the story: Instead of jumping to conclusions, give people the benefit of the doubt. 

3. Overconfidence is biting off more holiday tasks than you can chew—literally and figuratively."

Actionable Steps:

 •Commit to asking clarifying questions instead of assuming. ("Are you bringing the casserole, or should I?")

•Practice giving others the benefit of the doubt this holiday season.

•Share this episode with someone who needs a little nudge to communicate better.