Seeing Intentions & hidden agendas

If you want to understand someones intentions, all you have to do is listen. If you let them talk, they will tell you all sorts of things that give you a good indication of where their head is at. Once in awhile, asking a question like "who are you"? can produce some interesting results. Asking a question like "what makes you happy?", or "what do you value most in life?" are all great probing questions if you want to discover what the person is all about. Once they respond, then ask yourself "why did they say that?" Sometimes this isn't always an easy answer, but more often that not, you will find hidden messages in the conversation. Using your own intuition when meeting someone new is extremely important. It can be easy to convince yourself that the person you are talking to is someone other than who they are, if you have a hidden agenda yourself. For example, if I want something from someone, then I will tend to see the person in a more favorable light(the way I want to see them), instead of who they are actually portraying to be. It's important to pay attention to what others are saying. This type of concentration requires you to remove yourself (or your ego) from the conversation. All you have to do is be fully engaged with listening to the other party, and you'll discover all sorts of unconscious thoughts. It's a great exercise in letting go of your personal ego self(or character). You can do this exercise with yourself as well by listening to what you need to tell other people. I've caught myself a number of times saying things and wondering "why did I feel the need to express that?" You might find hidden needs, fears, wants, and desires that may be destructive on your current relationships. The more you are aware of yourself, the more you will be aware of in others.