How can I identify subtext in conversations?

How can I identify subtext in conversations?

Identifying subtext involves looking beyond the literal meaning of words. What context or examples do you have in mind?

I often feel like my friends say one thing but mean another. Can you help me understand that?

Absolutely! Pay attention to their tone, body language, and the context of the conversation. Can you share a specific example?

Once, a friend said they were 'fine' but seemed upset. What does that indicate?

In that case, 'fine' might be a way to mask true feelings. It suggests they may not want to discuss their emotions directly.

So, how can I respond to that effectively?

You could gently ask if they want to talk about what's bothering them, showing that you care and are open to listening.