Image: Flickr/Richard Elzey

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” (Henry Winkler)

We all know that the Fonz can fix an engine and score with the ladies. We even knew he could jump a shark, but who knew he could give such great advice? This is a brilliant quote that succinctly states a relational truth. By making an assumption about a person’s motivations, you place them in a box and limit their options. If you assume your kids hate school, don’t want to excel in academics, and need constant incentives just to pass, then you’ll begin to push, hover, and worry them into a battle of wills: yours against theirs. If you assume the worst about your spouse and the way they communicate with you, you’ll stop listening to them and start listening at them — just waiting for a chance to reply instead of looking for an opportunity to understand.

In the spirit of the ultimate cool cat, Arthur Fonzarelli, stay in control of your assumptions. You may be surprised and what you learn.