Overheard someone at the library say "most questions are just assumptions dressed up" and it stuck with me

I was at the downtown public library last Saturday grabbing a new mystery novel, and I heard a guy at the info desk say to the librarian that most questions people ask are just assumptions dressed up. Like they already think they know the answer but want it confirmed. It made me realize I do that all the time when I'm asking for advice on forums or even just wondering stuff out loud. Has anyone else caught themselves doing that or noticed it in someone else's posts?

3 comments

3 Comments

fisher.jessica1d ago

Honestly that librarian comment hit me hard too, I do this constantly without even realizing it.

wadejenkins1d ago

Wait, does that mean half my Google searches are just me fishing for validation instead of actual answers? Because I definitely asked my buddy last week "Is this new coffee shop any good or just trendy?" when really I already knew I didn't like the vibe from the pictures online, I just wanted him to say "yeah it's overpriced garbage" so I could feel justified skipping it. It's like we're all walking around with our minds already made up and just using other people as a mirror to bounce our own opinions back at ourselves. The librarian probably hears that stuff all day long, people asking "where's the bathroom?" when they already saw the sign, just wanting someone to nod and point. Honestly though, it's kind of a relief to think about, because it explains why I get annoyed when someone actually challenges my question instead of just confirming my assumption.

the_mary1d ago

Nah, sometimes you really don't know what you think til you hear yourself say it out loud.