We make all sorts of assumptions every day. Some are trivial, others are potentially devastating. Almost every single one of them is faulty. A lot of damage can be done by confusing our assumptions with the truth and a recent study showed this is particularly so in friendships.

The research has shown that we make assumptions about how much friends care, especially in the area of reciprocity. It found that the lonelier we are, the more we underestimate how much our friends care and that this assumption leads lonely people to engage less, be less supportive, disclosing, and committed.

Trusting that people care about us is so difficult because it feels scary. It feels easier to just withdraw and let the friendship wither away. This is what lonely people do. Here’s the thing about assuming people don’t care about you. If you assume it enough, it’ll come true.

A question for you to ponder this week: how would you navigate your friendships differently if you assumed your friends cared about you?

GFS Perth has been enabling Friendship for almost 140 years. Check our socials or Events Calendar. #FriendshipRevolution