When I grow up, I want to be a mind reader.

"Dad, you NEVER said anything about my outfit today"

Kids. They say the darnest things don't they? 

Her transparency and quickness to tell me what she’s thinking never ceases to amaze me. She was hoping I’d acknowledge how cute she looked, and when I didn’t, she simply called me out on it.

You know what we adults would have done in that situation? 

Pout and get angry that our spouse/friend/parent/roommate etc didn't read our minds and meet our desires because after all...

A good husband would notice that you just got a hair cut.
And a good wife would know to say thank you for all the work you do.
And good friends don't need to be told to call you to ask about the terrible day you're having etc etc.

You know what the difference between kids and adults is? 

Kids don't assume that others can read their minds... 

so rather than spend the whole day pouting that daddy didn't meet her desire to be complimented, she just told me. 

What if instead of waiting for someone to ask about your day, you got on the phone and called your friends to tell them you need someone to listen?
What if you just tell your wife that you need some encouragement and a pat on the back for a grueling week at work?
What if you called your friends and let them know you're feeling ignored?
What if you told your husband that you're not feeling cute right now and you'd just like to know that he notices you? 

"But that doesn't count Sammy. It's not the same if I have to ask for it because that's the point".
Really? well, those around you had better be mind-reader then cause that’s your only hope.

Look, the only person that can read your mind is God and even He instructs us to ask him for what we want. 

A gift is no less a gift because you asked for it.

After my daughter said what she said to me, I looked at her and said "I'm sorry. It really does look cute on. Love how you matched the flower on your hair too" 

You know what she did after that? She smiled and walked out the room. She was happy. 

Please don't miss this because you think adult life is more complicated than that because it's not but don't take my word for it. Try it.

Next time someone in your life is not giving you what you want or meeting your desire, choose to respond like my daughter. Simply say what you want and see what happens. 

I'm not saying this will give you everything you've ever dreamed of but I do think it's a great start because relationships have a much better shot at thriving when we don't assume people are mind readers. 

Tell me of a time when you've been on either side of the story... the one expecting and not receiving because you didn't ask or the one who couldn't give cause you didn't know.

Other thoughts?