It may seem obvious that when engaging with others we need to be clear about what is understood. However I find that I frequently forget to ask myself the question “Am I/you clear about this?”, instead falling back on an assumption that all is clear. This leads to the old adage about ASSUME making and ASS out of U and ME.
In contrast I normally always make myself clear with my 2-year old daughter as I’m conscious she doesn’t understand. So loose phrases like “You can have a bath when you get home…” are immediately followed by “…after you’ve had tea” or something similar. Conversations with her are much more literal. They should be with adults as well.
So much misunderstanding and confusion is caused by forgetting to ask “Am I clear?”. Start doing it, for it’s a good habit to cultivate.