Don't assume that just because I look down means that I feel intimidated by you when, in reality, I'm admiring my shoes to cleavage.

Don't assume that the reason I look away is because I don't want to accept the facts of life. Did it ever cross your mind that I look away in respect, mourning, or pure anger fueling my inner core to make a change?

But you wouldn't because you assume that I have no life other than the one that you provide for me as if that is even possible. Don't assume that I am waiting for you to catch up, when I patiently went slower. Assume that my power is greater than the level you observed, assume that I will achieve my dreams regardless of what you say about me.

Don't assume my silence is an admission to a dishonorable act. Don't assume that my silence is a clue that I have nothing to say. My silence is given through mutual understanding, an understanding that we both can be wrong, but the words that flow off my tongue are not to be talked over.

If I haven't vocally expressed my interest publicly like you have, shouldn't be an assumption that I'm not interested in it. Don't assume I can't form my own opinion, that me sitting in the back of the room is a due to not having anything to share, but once I do vocally express myself, I know you all will listen. For what the eyes don't see, the mouth makes up.

Don't assume me. Don't assume the lack of communication is put on me. I am not here to be your "good time," "on the side," "when convenient," I am not here to fill that empty void for the time being. I am not defined and confined within the image you want me to be. Assume that my passions are growing rapidly, that my life is coming together and falling apart all at once, assume that while you question the actions I take, I am already 3 steps ahead.

Don't assume that this article is about you, just like I'm not assuming that if affected by these words, you might have a guilty conscience.