11 Aug

Are We Really Good Mind Readers?

I know I’m not. This is why I miserably failed that quiz initially 2.5 years ago. That was very enlightening to me because I realized after the results were explained that I have a tendency to try to mind read if I don’t continually submit my will to Christ and let Him control my thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

This is condemned in Proverbs 6:16, 18. “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him…An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations…” What does the word “heart” mean in that verse? According to Proverbs 23:7 is it the mind. That means that the Lord hates us devising, or making up, wicked thoughts about others. God hates this because trying to mind read causes many problems.

Notice these mind reading research findings from Dr. Nedley’s book, “The Lost Art of Thinking”:

“When dealing with strangers, only about one in four mind-reading assumptions is correct.”

“The ratio of mind-reading accuracy shoots up considerably in close, long-term relationships, to as much as 4 out of 5 chances of being correct.”

“Some people are better at mind reading than others, but nearly everyone overestimates his or her talent at mind reading.”

“With good feedback, people can improve mind reading ability.”

“Even with people who were highly skilled in social ‘mind reading’ still encountered situations where, in an attempt to keep an alliance afloat, they totally misread a romantic partner.”

Listen to others and do not assume

Dr. Nedley also states, “People who share daily living as families can easily slip into the habit of assuming they know each other too well. Couples who have been married ten, twenty, or even fifty years often come to believe they know how their partner feels and thinks. They are so comfortable with each other, they may even feel little need for verbalization.

Unfortunately, a breakdown in communication can result in hurt, disappointment, frustration, resentment, alienation, and loneliness. While it is true that individuals who have shared life for a number of years become very well acquainted with the thoughts and feelings of their beloved, nothing should ever be taken for granted.”

Even if a husband and wife are married for years, and they have a close relationship, they still have a 20% chance of failing to read accurately their spouses mind. This can cause serious problems in their marriage.

What are you thoughts on this article and the quiz? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.