Because it is often believed that only members of a specific tribe in Nigeria have my sort of face and complexion, my complexion but face especially gives people a different impression of who I am.

I recently went to a man in his mid-fifties to buy my favourite fruit, a banana. He responded to my greetings in his native language, Igbo (the Eastern part of Nigeria) and said something that I mistook for more than just a greeting, so I said I didn't understand. He gave me a startled look and said, "You mean you don't understand our language? " He asked, "But why do you come out light skinned and even resemble us like this?, You even look like my cousin sister" as I grinned and answered, "I'm a typical Yoruba girl" (the southwest regional part of Nigeria).

Even though this isn't the first time it's happening. Although this really felt like an awkward situation, I saw more and gained valuable insight from it. What are these lessons, then?

• Never assume anything, regardless of what you think or believe.

• Mistakes can be caused through assumption.

• Making erroneous decisions or choices can result from assumption.

• Assumption can result in misunderstandings down the road due to poor communication.

• Assumptions can cause misconceptions, leading you to believe something or someone to be something they are not.

• Assumptions can sever ties to others.

• Assumption might cause you to perceive something negatively as favourably, and vice versa.

• Assumptions can result in incorrect event interpretation.

• Last but not least, presumptions will force you to communicate using a language that only you understand, like the banana vendor.

It is wise to develop the practice of asking for clarification and to avoid forming judgments based solely on your beliefs or your perceptions or on information you do not fully grasp. Only an ignorant mind may create assumptions, according to the adage "a wise spirit clarifies."

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Love & light ✌️