How to Read your Spouse's Mind

I occasionally send out query letters to publisher with my great ideas. Here is an idea I have sent out to several publishers, but no takers so far.

I have an idea for an entertaining article titled; “How to Read Your Mate’s Mind.” Many of us who are married already attempt to do this with tragic results. What if you could learn how to read your mate’s mind? How do the professional “mind readers” do it? Popular psychics, like Sylvia Browne and John Edward, employ “cold reading’ techniques. Recent TV shows such as "The Mentalist" and "Psych" use this as the hook to gain an audience. This article will show readers how to use some of the techniques to better communicate with their mate.

If you allow me to develop the following 10-point guide to reading your mate’s mind, you will amaze your mate with your new found “mind-reading powers!” The article will be between 1200 and 1500 words and can be completed in a month.

1. Be confident. (If you look and act as if you believe in what you are doing, you will be able to sell even a “bad reading” to your mate.)

2. Profess modesty about your talents. (Make no excessive claims.)

3. Make creative use what your already know about your mate.

4. Dramatize your reading. (Give back what little information you do have or pick up a little bit at a time. Make it seem more than it is. Build word pictures around each disclosure.)

5. Always give the impression that you know more than you are saying.

6. Hold hands with your mate. (This is much better than using a gimmick, such as Tarot cards, crystal ball, or palm reading, in connecting with your mate.)

7. Keep your eyes open! (Body language and facial expression often communicate more than words)

8. Use the technique of fishing. (Ask questions to get your mate to tell you about his/herself. Then you rephrase what you have been told and feed it back to the subject.)

9. Learn to be a good listener.

10. Flatter your mate at every opportunity. (Always tell your mate something he/she wants to hear!)

Obviously, this whole experience is designed to be a fun way to pass an evening, not a method of constant communication. However, some of the skills learned may be applied at any time.