Mind & EverydayMental model
Read every statement in its most reasonable interpretation first.
The principle of charity from philosophy says: when a statement is ambiguous, choose the reading under which it is most likely true or sensible. Not out of politeness but out of accuracy – attacking the dumbest reading teaches you nothing about the position. In chats and emails, where tone is missing, it spares you many misunderstandings.
Useful: On an irritating message, ask: which reading would make sense? Then ask, instead of assuming the worst.
Source: en.wikipedia.org