Check rather than assume
Knowing someone well can help us recognise subtle communication, but it can also make it tempting to assume we know what they mean.
Imagine someone pushes their dinner away.
They might be saying:
"I don't like this."
But they could also be communicating:
"I've had enough."
"I'm in pain."
"It's too hot."
"I need a break."
Or something completely different.
Rather than immediately deciding what a behaviour means, stay curious and look for ways to check your understanding.