Becky Beissel, Ellsworth village president

As we enter the final 90 days before the 2024 presidential election, the nation’s collective tension seems to be rising by the day. Unfortunately, the charged political climate is beginning to affect how we treat one another here at home. Recently, I’ve noticed messages from Father David Olson of St. Francis Parish on civil discourse, Mayor Dan Toland of River Falls on tolerance, and Sheriff Chad Koranda on respecting others' personal property, including political signage. While we may not be able to change the way people treat each other on a national scale, we can certainly work towards creating a more positive community here at home. I believe this effort is worth our time, energy, and thoughtful consideration.

In my role as both an elected official and a marketing professional, particularly in social media, I’ve seen firsthand how easily people can fall into the trap of treating others poorly. If I were to identify one of the primary causes of the anger and divisiveness we see today, it would be the habit of making assumptions—about others, about situations, and more. Over the past year, I've observed how this habit can harm our community, turning neighbors against one another.

An assumption is something accepted as true without proof. We’re all guilty of it at times, but like any habit, it can become second nature if left unchecked. It seems that making negative assumptions about others is becoming more and more ingrained in our society. My hope is that this serves as a gentle reminder to those who might need it.

How to recognize if you’re making assumptions

1. Jumping to conclusions: Do you find yourself forming opinions or making decisions without having all the facts? Or assuming that since you heard it, that it’s automatically a fact? This often happens when we rely on stereotypes or past experiences instead of evaluating the current situation objectively.

Instead: Ask questions. Engage in open-ended inquiries (avoiding “gotcha moments”) rather than assuming you already know the answers. This approach helps to gather more information and clarify misunderstandings.

1. Filling in the gaps: Do you automatically fill in blanks when you encounter incomplete information based on what you think you know? This can easily lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Instead: Seek clarification. If something is unclear or if you’re unsure of someone’s intentions, simply ask for clarification. This straightforward step can prevent many misunderstandings.

1. Believing the first impression: Do you tend to make up your mind about someone or something after a brief encounter or superficial interaction? First impressions are often misleading.

Instead: Be open to new information. Stay open-minded and be willing to change your perspective if new information comes to light. Flexibility in thinking helps prevent rigid assumptions from taking hold.

1. Reacting instead of listening: Do you respond to others based on what you expect them to say or do, rather than what they’re actually saying or doing?

Instead: Practice active listening. Take the time to listen fully before forming an opinion or responding. Focus on what the other person is saying, rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next.

1. Assuming intentions: Do you often think you know why someone acted a certain way or said something specific without asking them directly?

Instead: Reflect on your thoughts. Understand there may be factors or reasons for a particular decision or action you may not have considered. Ask yourself, "What could be the reason for that decision/action?" or "Where could I learn more about this issue?"

For the sake of our community, the mental well-being of everyone here (including yourself), and the next generation who are closely observing how we navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial that we stop making assumptions. By choosing to approach each other with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to understanding, we can create a more respectful and united community.