We have all been given the advice at one time or another to not make assumptions, although it is an easy thing to do.
But it is good to pay particular attention to this tendency when interacting with another person’s stuff. It is just way too easy to jump to a conclusion that could get you into trouble….
A carpet layer had just finished installing carpet for a lady. He stepped out for a smoke, only to realize he’d lost his cigarettes. In the middle of the room, under the carpet, was a bump. “No sense pulling up the entire floor for one pack of smokes,” he said to himself. He proceeded to get out his hammer and flattened the hump. As he was cleaning up, the lady came in. “Here,” she said, handing him his pack of cigarettes. “I found them in the hallway.” “Now,” she said, “if only I could find my parakeet.”
Oops. Here birdie, birdie…
But surely he would have made some kind of sound?