Three mutually exclusive theoretical explanations have been proposed to describe how Theory of Mind processes work, namely by imitation, by simulation or by representation. This paper claims that all three theories are correct and that the realization of empathy in discourse is a good source of evidence for that. Instead of being three exclusive theories these are three compatible mechanisms, which reflect different stages of cognitive evolution. Furthermore, the somatic and emotive bias of cognition, the complexity of Theory of Mind processes and the fundamental role empathy plays in interaction altogether point to a new metaphor of communication, namely communication as a caress.