This story highlights the importance of not expecting others to read your mind, but instead telling them what specific actions you want them to take. While those who adopted the leaving and merging patterns may have become quite skillful at reading what others are feeling and what to do to make them happier, those who adopted the rigid pattern did

This partner does not tell you what they need or want, not in any clear way. A thousand small hints which make sense only to them are sprinkled throughout conversations.

A study of Japanese businesspeople found that they are typically comfortable with eight-second pauses between one comment and another, roughly twice as long as Americans generally tolerate. They’re wise to take that pause.

When you find yourself saying (or even thinking) things like: “I just assumed they would …” “I’d just expect people to …” “I shouldn’t have to explain …” These are red flags that indicate there's a disconnect with an output that is required or expected. The best thing to do in this case is to make sure you’re clear on the output you want to see and