Why We Assume the Worst, and How to Stop

"Assumptions are the stories we tell ourselves to fill in the gaps when we don't have complete information. Our brains are wired for efficiency, so assumptions serve as mental shortcuts."

"Sometimes, assuming the worst functions as emotional protection. If we expect rejection, betrayal, or abandonment, we feel less blindsided if it happens."

"Negative assumptions can feel protective; it's as though the brain is preparing us for pain before it arrives. The problem is that what feels protective in the short term can quietly undermine connection in the long term."

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping people recognize and revise distorted thinking patterns. CBT teaches that thoughts are not facts, but are instead mental events that can be examined."

Assumptions serve as mental shortcuts that can distort reality and undermine relationships. While expecting the worst may feel protective, it often leads to emotional distance and conflict. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aids in recognizing and revising these distorted thinking patterns, emphasizing that thoughts are not facts. By identifying cognitive distortions like fortune-telling, individuals can replace harmful assumptions with curiosity and factual checking, fostering better connections with others.

Read at Psychology Today