Here’s a riddle that has puzzled many: “A woman was born in 1975 and died in 1975. Yet, she was 22 years old when she died. How is that possible?” At first, it sounds impossible. If someone is born and dies in the same year, they can’t be older than a few months, let alone 22 years.

The confusion comes from how we automatically think about numbers like 1975. We assume 1975 refers to a year because that’s what our brains are used to. This assumption traps us into trying to make the math work with calendar years, which it simply can’t.

But the key to solving this riddle is to realize that 1975 doesn’t have to mean a year. Instead, imagine it as a room number. The woman was born in Room 1975 and died in Room 1975. She was 22 years old at the time of her death. Suddenly, everything makes sense.

This riddle tricks us by using a number we instinctively link to time. It’s a clever play on assumptions, showing how our minds can get stuck on one way of thinking. Once you see 1975 as a room number instead of a year, the mystery disappears.

People often get fooled by this riddle the first time they hear it. Try sharing it with friends or family and watch their reactions. Saying it out loud without showing the text makes it even trickier because listeners immediately think of years.

Beyond just a fun puzzle, this riddle teaches an important lesson: sometimes our assumptions block us from seeing the truth. Whether in riddles or real life, stepping back and questioning how we interpret information can lead to surprising answers.

So next time you face a confusing problem, ask yourself if you might be making a wrong assumption. Could there be another way to look at it? Staying curious and open-minded helps us find solutions that aren’t obvious at first glance.