The false consensus effect is our tendency to overestimate how common our own views, preferences and behaviours are. We assume that "most reasonable people" think the way we do, and we tend to see those who disagree as either odd or ill-intentioned.
Picture a group planning a night out: everyone thinks their own suggestion — the restaurant, the time, the style — is the obvious choice that "everyone would want". Or think how often we are surprised to learn that a topic that feels self-evident to us deeply divides the people around us. The belief that our view is the "normal" one is exactly the trap.
Psychologically, this happens because we are mostly surrounded by people like us, and because our own perspective is always the most accessible in our mind. The result is conflict, misunderstanding and difficulty accepting that difference does not mean error.
Awareness of this effect makes us more curious and less judgemental: instead of assuming, we ask. Instead of taking agreement for granted, we check it with respect. If you often feel misunderstood or at odds with those around you, explore our services.