01 Dec Are You Being Empathetic?
Empathy is one of those words we hear a lot.
Oftentimes, it’s thought that being empathetic means being highly emotional and highly sensitive, but I want to break that misconception, because empathy is a gift!
Empathy is very different to sympathy.
Brené Brown, who is a well-known researcher has spoken about the difference between empathy and sympathy and if you search online “Brené Brown: empathy vs sympathy”, you’ll be able to find a short video of her explanation.
So what is empathy?
Generally, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings or experiences of another.
It’s the ability to imagine what it would be like to be in that person’s situation.
But why is it helpful to show empathy?
Because it feels good to be heard and acknowledged.
It’s a powerful way to build our connections with others in our relationships, whether that be professional, family, friendships or romantic.
It can help you to make decisions that will impact on your life, your business (if you have one) and the lives of others.
Now, empathy is a skill that strengthens with practise.
And there’s many elements to showing empathy, because it also encompasses the art of listening. Check out my Making Moves Motivation video: How to TRULY LISTEN
In addition to that video, here are 3 key tips on how to show empathy in your interactions with others:
🌟 Opening Up
There’s a power within being vulnerable, as it results in building emotional connections.
You don’t have to share your whole life story and the irrelevant fall out you had with Aunty Peggy last week, but sharing a bit about your story, similar or relevant experiences in terms of your emotional experience or your observations of other’s experiences can deepen the connection and trust.
Think about using empathetic statements such as:
“I understand how it feels…”
“Nobody should have to experience…’
“I’ve been there too and it really hurts”
“It sounds like you are in a difficult place right now. Tell me more about it.”
“Like you, I’m frustrated by / hurt by / worried about…”
Or simply “I care”
🌟 Don’t Be “Judgy”
Withholding judgement allows you to gain a deeper understanding of a person’s perspective. Do your best not to question whether the situation is “good” or “bad” and rather see the world as they see it. This means putting your own “stuff” to one side to see the situation and put yourself in their shoes.
I delve into this some more in the following Making Moves Motivation videos:
🌟 How Can I Help?
Offering help shows that you understand what someone is going through and you’re willing to take the time to make life lighter and brighter for them, with no expectation of them having to give anything back to you. There might be something you can personally do to help the person or you can refer them to others or information that can help them 😊
These are just a few examples, but fundamental ones that will show you have a listening, caring ear.
Because when we feel heard, cared about and understood, we can forge better relationships with others!
If you would like tips and strategies on how you can achieve your relationship goals, simply click the ‘Download Now’ button below to get access to my FREE eBooks.
I hope you found this article useful and valuable. I would love to hear your thoughts on it! Do you consider yourself to be empathetic? Have you experienced any situations where you wished someone had shown you empathy? Simply click ‘like’ and please do let me know in the comments box below.
Also, why not consider sharing this article with those you know who could benefit from reading this too? After all #SharingIsCaring
Are you struggling with being empathetic or someone who isn’t showing you empathy? If so, I’d be more than happy to help you! All you have to do is CLICK HERE and we can chat more about this!
With Love
Teresha, The Confidence Restyler™ Xx
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