Assumptions

Being new in a town can certainly teach you a lot about how much people assume others know.

I discovered this one day. Before I became employed, I was concerned about our financial state, and decided if I did not become employed soon, I would fix up my bike, get a rack, and begin doing our grocery shopping by bike (thus not spending money on gas, and perhaps one day selling off one of the cars). Since I got employed, it has become a mute point (I have to cross town to get to work, and being in the car, I still use very little gas, and all of the stores are on my way home, so I get my necessary shopping done with no problems). However, as I was pondering the bike option, I decided to stop into a couple of the bike shops downtown and see what my options for racks and panniers were. One shop was very friendly, and the owner even showed me her own setup, which was very nice, and affordable. The other shop...not so much, but it wasn't bad. As I was waiting to cross the street to get back to my car, a college kid passed me on his bike, quickly asking as he approached "Do you know where the nearest bus stop is?" I replied kindly, "No, I'm sorry," to which I was quickly answered with "Quit lying, lady!"

Now, needless, to say, I was taken aback! I understand that sometimes one says "I don't know" to simply move along and not give a long answer, but to be called a liar, that's just rude! Especially when I should have gotten a chance to explain that I was new in town and honestly don't know where the bus stops are (any of them), and would like to know, myself. How often it is we merely make judgements, not knowing if they are true or not, and seemingly not caring.