3 ms·

Sure, I used an easy case as an example, but it's not always so trivial to guess at the other person's intent.

• elliotec 11y ago
  It was the author's example, and also her point. Your parent comment points out how easy that was to infer, and assuming your parent's commenter is a 'normal person,' the author (and maybe you too) would have a difficult time communicating with them.
• karmelapple 11y ago
  It sounds like you know what the intent was, but have chosen to ignore it, because you feel the words chosen must contain the entire intent. Why can't nonverbal cues and other contexts also be brought into your estimation? Or perhaps asking for clarity on the question if you really, truly aren't sure what's being asked? Asking for clarification, rather than answering the wrong question, seems like a superior approach.
  • DanBC 11y ago
    In this situation there is a mental health professional and a person in psychologic distress. The patient is usually, by definition, less able to understand other people. But it's the professional's job to make themselves understood, and to check the patient's understanding.