The popular perception of "mind reading”—the act of knowing someone’s thoughts and feelings through innate, telepathic means—is likely an impossible feat of fantasy. What is real, however, is the psychological concept of "empathic accuracy," which is the ability to accurately map someone's mental terrain by reading the cues telegraphed by their words, emotions, and body language.
Most people possess the skill of empathic accuracy to some degree, although those on the autism spectrum or individuals afflicted with psychotic disorders may struggle to read other people's emotions or social cues. But because humans are naturally inwardly focused, and have evolved certain methods to deceive others, even the most socially adept can be thrown off from time to time by the signals of those who are intent on keeping their feelings and motives opaque. For some people, knowing their own mind is challenging enough, let alone the minds of strangers or even relatives, friends, or partners.