Some people are naturally perceptive and simply “get” people quite quickly. While it may seem like they possess some secret magic ability, it is far less whimsical and much more attainable. Here are the things people who easily read others tend to do to develop that skill.
1. They pay attention to body language.
People who read others easily don’t solely listen to what you say – they watch how you say it. They pay attention to your facial expressions, posture, hand gestures, and eye contact, and they notice if you are crossing your arms, fidgeting, or leaning away. Non-verbal cues can tell a lot about the emotions and intentions you might not even be aware of consciously.
2. They listen actively and empathetically.
Source: Unsplash Active listening doesn’t just mean hearing the words someone says but understanding the meaning behind them. People who have such a strong ability to read others are excellent listeners who grasp the tone of voice, pauses, hesitations, and feelings behind the pauses and seemingly unrelated words. They also put themselves in your shoes and try to experience your perspective and feelings.
3. They ask open-ended questions.
Source: Unsplash Instead of inquiring you with yes-or-no probing, they ask questions that encourage you to open up and share with them. They want to know how you feel, what you believe, and most importantly, why. That’s because they’re sincerely interested in your true world and not scared to dig.
4. They notice inconsistencies and contradictions.
Source: Unsplash Intuitive people often pick up on the discrepancy between your words and actions. They might sense that you have an ulterior motive behind your seemingly innocent questions, or feel that you’re not telling the whole truth about your feelings. They try to understand the whole picture, rather than exposing you as a liar — at least not right away.
5. They pay attention to the details.
Source: Unsplash Intuitive people may remember the innocuous thing you mentioned in the conversation last month, or the way your voice creaked at a certain point when you responded to a question during the meeting. This attention to details helps them create a complete impression of human nature and feeling.
6. They trust their gut instincts.
Source: Pexels Most people with excellent people-reading skills also have strong intuition. They learn to trust their feelings, even if they lack the logical framework to explain it. They understand that something is wrong when a person speaks smoothly and denies the facts they themselves said they witnessed. They’re not easy targets for gaslighting and manipulation as a result.
7. They’re not afraid to be wrong.
Source: Unsplash People with strong people-reading abilities understand that it’s not an exact science. They can make a mistake and misread you, but this isn’t the end of the world to them. They see a mistake as a chance to learn something new, which comes in handy when it comes to improving their abilities.
8. They’re lifelong learners.
Source: Unsplash People who are skilled at reading others are always eager to learn more about human behaviour, psychology, and communication. They read books, articles, and blogs on these topics, and they’re always looking for new insights and perspectives. They understand that the more they learn about human nature, the better equipped they’ll be to understand and connect with the world around them.
9. They’re not afraid to be silent.
Intuitive people understand the power of silence. They’re not afraid of pauses in conversations or moments of quiet reflection. They know that sometimes the most meaningful communication happens without words. They’re comfortable sitting with silence and allowing others to process their thoughts and feelings without pressure to fill the void.
10. They validate the feelings of others.
Instead of dismissing or minimizing someone’s emotions, intuitive people acknowledge and validate them. They say things like “That sounds really tough” or “I can see why you’d feel that way.” This validation creates a safe space for others to express themselves authentically and feel heard and understood. It builds trust and deepens the connection between people.
11. They mirror the other person’s body language and tone of voice.
Source: Unsplash Mirroring is a subtle way to build rapport and create a sense of connection. Intuitive people often unconsciously mirror the body language and tone of voice of the person they’re talking to. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, making the other person feel more at ease and open to sharing.
12. They pay attention to their own intuition and emotions.
Source: Unsplash People who are good at reading others are also in tune with their own intuition and emotions. They pay attention to how they feel in different situations and around different people. They use this self-awareness to inform their interactions with others, allowing them to respond with empathy, compassion, and understanding.
13. They’re not judgmental.
Source: Unsplash Intuitive people are open-minded and non-judgmental. They understand that everyone has their own unique experiences and perspectives, and they don’t try to impose their own values or beliefs on others. They’re willing to listen to different opinions, even if they don’t agree with them, and they strive to understand where others are coming from.
14. They’re comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.
Source: Unsplash Life is full of uncertainties, and intuitive people are okay with that. They don’t need to have all the answers or control every outcome. They’re comfortable navigating the gray areas of life and making decisions based on incomplete information. They trust their intuition and judgment to guide them through the unknown.
15. They’re authentic and genuine.
Source: Unsplash Perhaps the most important habit of people who can read others is that they’re authentic and genuine. They don’t try to be someone they’re not, and they don’t put on a facade to impress others. They’re comfortable in their own skin, and they let their true selves shine through. This authenticity is what makes them so approachable and trustworthy, and it’s a key factor in their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
16. They’re curious about people.
Source: Unsplash People who can read others are genuinely interested in other people’s lives, experiences, and perspectives. They’re curious about what makes people tick, what motivates them, and what challenges they face. This curiosity drives them to ask questions, listen attentively, and seek to understand others on a deeper level. It’s this genuine interest in others that allows them to build strong relationships and connect with people from all walks of life.
