It’s a GAME we are always playing, but one that can get us in trouble.

Someone says or does something and we automatically interpret the meaning behind it.

“I knew she was mad at me because I didn’t “behave” the way she wanted me to.”

Did you really know that?  Or…did you just “mind read” the meaning of her actions and words?

We think the meaning and interpretation we give to the actions or words is accurate.  “We know what they mean and what they are trying to say.”

Frequently,  we really don’t and our interpretation is inaccurate!

How often do you find yourself reacting to what you “think” someone else is thinking, saying, or doing, only to find out later that they had something completely different in mind?

How often have you gotten mad at someone for being mad at you, ignoring you, giving you a ‘dirty look’, for something they said and it turns out you misinterpreted all of it.  You were distressed and feeling negative for something that wasn’t even true!

How often does a conflict get resolved when you find yourself saying, “Sorry, I thought you meant ‘this,’ but I now see that you really meant ‘that.’ Now I get it.”

It’s natural and humans do it all the time!

So, what can we do about it?

1. Be aware of the fact that what you are experiencing is the result of where you are coming from, and not necessarily where they are coming from.

2. Understand there are many ways of looking at something.  Don’t get locked into one viewpoint.

3. Check it out: “Are you saying this…..?”  “Did you mean….?” “Are you upset with me because….?”

4. Remember, there are many different viewpoints of the same situation.  Your viewpoint may be completely off.  Be open minded to other ways of looking at it!

5. You’re not as accurate of  a MIND READER as you think!!