We do not know what is in the mind of another person.

And we would do well not to guess.

“Why did he do that?” “What was she thinking?”

Let’s face it, it’s tough enough to know why we act the way we do or say the things we say. So when someone asks us those questions about someone else, we are on the cusp of stepping into a minefield of wrong responses. We may try to participate in the conversation, but any answers are guesses at best. We should not even try.

The best response I have heard to such a query: “I do not know what is in the mind of another person.”

Okay—that’s good for several reasons. 1) It’s the truth. 2) We cut out the gossip. 3) We refrain from planting some more bad karmic seeds. 4) We don’t join in idle speculation that wastes time and can get others, and ourselves, in trouble.

I could go on, but you get the point.

So next time, when asked the above, try replying, “Sorry, but I don’t know what is in the mind of another person.”