Following is one in a series of articles based on the words of New Thought leaders — current or past.
New Thought Inspiration from Don Miguel Ruiz
Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías (born August 27, 1952), better known by his pseudonym as Don Miguel Ruiz, is a Mexican author of Toltec 
spiritualist and neoshamanistic texts. His work is best-received among members of the New Thought movement that focuses on ancient teachings as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Ruiz is listed as one of the Watkins 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People in 2014.
“Don’t Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.”
Don Miguel Ruiz wrote one of the most popular contemporary Spiritual books: The Four Agreements.
The quote above is an explanation of his third agreement: Don’t make assumptions. Along with the obvious (and humorous definition), assumptions cause misunderstandings, false judgments and, ultimately, the extra drama that we don’t need in our lives.
So how does this translate into life situations? When a friend or family member has a problem, listen first and don’t assume you know the answer to their problem. Also, don’t respond before they finish what they need to share. Likewise, don’t tell them they are wrong before you know the complete story.
Like Don Miguel says, ask the questions that need to be asked and express what you want rather than making assumptions about a situation.
And I agree, not making assumptions can be life-transforming — to you as well as those around you!!
I will close with this thought from Don Miguel: