“I know what you’re thinking.” “No, really I know what you’re thinking.” How often have you said that before? “I, know what you’re thinking—you’re thinking, ‘you don’t know what I’m thinking.’” Am I right? But, you know what is interesting, you know who says these words and who doesn’t? As adults, we say this frequently, if not with our mouths, then with our time and attention. We say it to our children: “before you say another word, I know what you’re thinking.” With older children, teenagers, and even younger then that, they say the same thing, with body language, eye rolls, and the inevitable tune-out. “I know what you’re thinking” is as much a sign of intellectual and emotional development as it is a preemptive response by a highly intuitive person (at best) or an annoying know-it-all at worse. And isn’t it always fun and satisfying when someone says that to you, and they’re wrong! “I know what you’re thinking.” “Oh, yeah, then tell me.” “You’re thinking this about me.” “Hah, you’re wrong.” (not just, “you’re wrong”, but “you’re WRONG!”). Of course when they’re right, you tell them they’re wrong anyway.
Learn More