“Is ‘jumping to hasty conclusions’ the reason why our relationships don’t go well? Shedding light on an often-overlooked blind spot.”

Translated version (English)

Hello. My name is Hideyuki Ikeuchi.

My profession is counsellor.

This article is a translation of an original piece I wrote in Japanese, rendered into English using ChatGPT. As such, there may be expressions that differ from native usage or deviate slightly from my original intent. I appreciate your understanding in advance.

Author: Professional Counselor Hideyuki Ikeuchi

Problems with jumping to hasty conclusions when dealing with events and in relationships

In dealing with events or interpersonal relationships, we often feel the urge to move things forward quickly or reach a conclusion without delay. In doing so, we may act based solely on our own judgment, without confirming important matters with the people involved. This tendency is known as “jumping to conclusions”—making assumptions and taking action without fully understanding the situation.

In human relationships especially, we may rely on our past experiences or the personality and behavioral patterns of others to assume, “This must be what they’re thinking or planning.” Based on these assumptions, we might act as if we understand their intentions or meaning, without actually verifying.

Such behavior can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. It’s often only after the fact that we realize our assumptions were wrong, and that we misunderstood the other person’s intentions.

In these cases, it is crucial to acknowledge our mistake, take responsibility for the confusion caused, and offer a sincere apology. By doing so and making an honest effort to repair the relationship, we can often resolve the issue and ease any negative emotions on both sides.

Jumping to conclusions is something everyone experiences at some point—it’s not unusual. However, the core issue lies in becoming trapped in our own assumptions, failing to consider the perspectives or presence of others. As a result, we may lose valuable opportunities or important relationships.

To avoid such risks, we must make a habit of checking with the people involved and verifying unclear knowledge or information. These small efforts often lead to better outcomes for both ourselves and others.

When we realize we’ve jumped to conclusions, we should promptly seek clarification, offer apologies if needed, and work together with others to move forward constructively.

original Japanese text

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