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neverknew
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21 Feb 2016, 5:59 pm

I have been reading about Theory of Mind and I think I understand it but I'm not sure.

i've been used by others, usually at work, to do things that got me in trouble. An example would be to complain about something or suggest an improvement at a job. They would all say everyone is going to do it and it would end up being only me.

I've been unknowing the subject of a joke. An example would be for everyone to decide to dress a certain way that may be a bit outlandish and then it's only me that shows up that way.

I am constantly telling my husband that I expect other people to be like me and that is why I get taken advantage of.

Is that not having good Theory of Mind or just being gullible?


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mattdens
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21 Feb 2016, 6:19 pm

What you're describing isn't so much to do with theory of mind. Part of it (certainly in the latter example) is more a case of gullibility or simply taking someone at their word and part of it (in the case of the former) is that you appear to have more integrity than your coworkers, meaning that you actually do what you say you will, as oppose to a lot of people who say they will do something and then chicken out.
Unfortunately a lot of people do get taken advantage of in this way.



drlaugh
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21 Feb 2016, 6:41 pm

Yes it could be
A. Theory
B. Gullibility
C. An object (or your mind)in motion stays in motion

We actually have weird dress days at work built in.

Checking with someone I trust ( argh ) what a tough word to say and write) helps.

Add on to me signature below- me - who wears the Sponge Bob Square Tie on a regular work day
Me - who passes out lifesavers in the hall
Me - who wears high top converse sneaker looking Socks.
People that use us are expressions if them a much as it is about us


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Marybird
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22 Feb 2016, 12:02 am

Being gullible can be the result of putting too much trust in authority(as in religion and politics) or poor theory of mind ( the ability to attribute mental states — beliefs, intents, desires, pretending, knowledge, etc. — to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, intentions, and perspectives that are different from one's own.)
People with good theory of mind are quick to recognize when someone does not have good theory of mind and some may take advantage or play pranks on them. It's best to avoid or ignore those kinds of people when you identify who they are.



Dennis Prichard
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22 Feb 2016, 12:41 am

So a lack of theory mind means that one believes others will react in the same oneself would react?
I need clarification on that.


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Marybird
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22 Feb 2016, 1:15 am

Dennis Prichard wrote:
So a lack of theory mind means that one believes others will react in the same oneself would react?
I need clarification on that.

Not exactly a belief. You don't believe someone would react the same as yourself.
It's just not thinking about the other's reaction or not thinking about what they are thinking.
So you don't think they would react or think differently than you.
It's not attributing mental states.
If you are not thinking about what they are thinking, you believe what they are saying.



mrfoggy
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22 Feb 2016, 3:35 am

hmm take the theory of mind test? about the ice cream man

actually I score pretty well in the test, which means I understand whats the story is about BUT as a third person !

In real scenario, actually its different as everyone speaks at different ways, like more humour/sarcasm , factual, long winded. Its very tiring to interpret, understand and react, ask questions like why, where, how.

As a fact, I am surprise that when I am trying to tell a joke or answering questions to my NT friends, they either already know what I am going to say or ask me more questions that I am quite surprise that they ask that. That is what I think a strong theory of mind. They are able to piece up all the information, your character, your perspective seamlessly.

As for me, I am trying hard and most of the time I say unrelated things that are not in the topic of conversation, ask questions that seems too deliberate. Thats why people know that you are inattentive or detach from the conversation.


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EzraS
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22 Feb 2016, 4:50 am

I am lucky in this because I am leery of people I have not known for a very long time.

Also a lot of time it is hard even for my family to get me to do normal stuff. So someone trying to play a trick on me to get me to do something will find out that I am uncooperative.



neverknew
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22 Feb 2016, 8:38 pm

I took the test with the ice cream truck and was lost. Too many people and places all at once. But I ADD and can only keep track of one or two things unless I write it down.


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dachsowned
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22 Feb 2016, 9:13 pm

I've only recently learned of theory of mind, and I'm not sure I completely understand it. I've always taken people at face value and assumed they mean what they say. Sometimes they actually do ... other times I've unwittingly provided a few devious souls with a good laugh or two. I've been called gullible more times than I care to remember!



mrfoggy
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23 Feb 2016, 5:14 am

@neverknew

I think that the theory of mind test is flawed.. I am visual intelligent so without the story , that diagram helps a lot to relate.

However in real scenario and conversation, its harder so by visualise what the person is saying helps for me.
But if i am not doing that, I get lost in the conversation and ask irrelevant questions or be totally amazed when someone relate questions. So basically I think everyone is smarter than me.


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Aspie/Austism score 33 (34 & up) ADHD score 40 (34 & up)
High alexithymic / dysthymia / Possible Borderline PD
Star children - Indigo Child Myer Brig - INTJ The Architect
enneagram most like 5w4 - The Investigator / The Individualist
IQ 120 -130 High in Visual Intellgence