“WHAT IF I'M WRONG ABOUT THAT?”

Here's a secret: I know exactly what other people are thinking (it's a gift!!!) except when I'm wrong or mostly wrong. That happens a lot. To heal myself, I've started using a revolutionary approach. I ask. I say something like this: “Hey, I can't read your mind. I'd love to know what you're thinking, if you're willing to tell me.” I still screw up, guess wrong, get anxious sometimes. Here's an example of what NOT to do: My boyfriend Patrick: “Is that a new color of lipstick? It's pink. You don't usually wear pink.” Me: (All the following dialogue is in my head): “He doesn't like my pink lipstick. No, it's worse! He doesn't like me! He wants to break up! I'm going to die alone! I'm going to become a hoarder of jelly jars, with 27 cats! I should just...” Patrick: “I like it.”Me: “You like it?” To review: Ask.