Do not tell me "I know what you are thinking"
By savypat
@savypat (20216)
United States
July 24, 2011 1:35pm CST
These are fighting words to me. Especially if you are a stranger, but even a loved one or close friend can say that phase and set me off. Sure anyone can guess what another is thinking to some extent by just their body language, but just out of the blue to say I know what you are thinking is just wrong, each of us has our own thoughts and point of view and a conversation closer is to say I know what you are thinking. How can the conversation go on without conflict What do you say? What do you think I am thinking? This is confrontational because even if what is said is right no one wants to be thought to be that transparent. So you lie, what a way to start a relationship.
4 people like this
12 responses
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
27 Jul 11
I don’t like anyone telling me that they know what I may be thinking because nine times out of ten they are wrong! My thoughts are one of the only things that are mine, solely mine and private. I don’t profess to have ESP abilities so how can anyone else?
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
31 Jul 11
I don't know about ESP, I think some are just a lot better of reading body language than others. Some people claim that the Llamas have ESP, but what they have is a great ability to read body language and being a prey animal they are always on watch.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
25 Jul 11
Haha, so true that if someone says that, our reaction is to lie only to prove them wrong. I used to argue until Id turn blue in the face but ......I dont anymore, when someone says "I know what you're thinking" to me, I smile and tell them that since they know everything, theres no point in talking anymore and I walk away. This makes them really angry.....I dont recommend it but its what I do and the hell if they are mad at me lol.
1 person likes this
@a_year_older (636)
• Malaysia
25 Jul 11
It's true how annoying it can be. Unless the other person's some sort of psychic, there is no way they would be able to guess exactly what we're thinking. However, people who are very close to us may be able to guess somewhat your general emotion when they say that, based on your previous reactions to a similar situation. Although sometimes they still get it wrong even then.
1 person likes this
@RJlady1 (144)
• United States
25 Jul 11
I feel the same way. It implies an assumption that the person knows you inside and out, and nobody really wants to be second-guessed. This is why if I knew "the Mentalist" he'd no doubt drive me bonkers!
I do agree it's confrontational and also off-putting when one person does that to another. We should let another person reveal their thoughts when they feel like it and IF they feel like it. Otherwise, why even bother conversing?
1 person likes this
@silvercoin (2101)
• Lithuania
24 Jul 11
My close friend once told me:"I know everything about you".I hate phrases like:"I know what you're thinking.", "I can read you like a book".It's like some sort of mind attack,trying to make you feel insecure and controlled.It's impolite, and offensive.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Well, technically, you would know what the other person is thinking if ever you said "I know what you're thinking." The other person would instantly wonder whatever it is you're thinking, so that's it.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
25 Jul 11
" i know what you are thinking" automatically shuts down any other side or point of view in a certain subject or point of discussion, think that's what make it confrontational and good only to some extent for people with a close mind.
1 person likes this
@naija4real (1291)
•
24 Jul 11
No one can really know what others are thinking. but sometimes one can guess right from the reaction of the person you are dealing with.
We human have limits we can not be like God or an angel of God we have our own limit
@bouncybug (614)
• South Africa
24 Jul 11
Yes, you're so right - this exact thing irritates me so much as well! Also in the same line is the phrase "I know how you feel.' even if you have been through a similar experience to someone else, every one of us is so individual and so different that we all respond, think and feel about things differently. So never assume that you know how someone is thinking or feeling!
1 person likes this
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
25 Jul 11
I sooo get you! I don't really take it as an offense but I really dislike hearing replies like "I know what you're thinking". It's like "so you're a clairvoyant now?" LOL! I prefer people saying their ideas/thoughts straight to the point rather than saying that phrase. Even if we DO think of the same thing, I find that phrase a bit off .
