I can pretty much get the drift of folks. It's harder online, though.
Being an empath doesn't help, either. It affects my abilities online whereas in real life face to face...there is body language, eye contact, etc and the pet test if they are with me when I cross paths with someone.
Used to think I was, but my last gf cast a lot of doubt about that for how she cheated and screwed me over. I tend to take people at their word and don't usually consider 'code' or lying.
Yes, I think so. But people can lie about it even if you are right....
Also, I'm very aware of people around me, I'm the person that will move their cart to let someone by (not the person that is oblivious to their surroundings and appears to be rude) ....
I try to read people on purpose so I know how to interact with them