Putting yourself in someone’s shoes does not mean Empathy for a simple reason: it would be still you wearing shoes which do not belong to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That reinforces the idea of bringing our perception of reality, based on our own experiences, beliefs, values, and memories, to someone with an entirely different setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that’s why most of our advice, based on things that worked for us, will not necessarily work for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a world where everything is fast, and people are less willing to create a bond with others, most of them, in conversations, do not actively listen to others but instead are ready to answer, or even worse: to interrupt them while they are still speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAnd this is a basic premise of Empathy: being genuinely interested in listening to someone to understand them truly.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
What then could we do to practice Empathy? Find some tips below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Listen carefully, with a genuine intention of understanding<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Leave your judgment aside<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Be present, stay away from distractions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Offer what you have the most valuable when talking to someone: your attention<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Validate their emotions and feelings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Make an effort to understand how they feel<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Ask them what they would like you to do for them (not what you think would be the best thing for them to do)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 If the person doesn’t want you to do something for them, respect and do not insist; your presence may be enough for them<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to improving communication, emotional intelligence, and relationships, Empathy can also teach how to be supportive of the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For that, it’s necessary to create a safe space where everyone does not feel judged and has their voices heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEmpathy is listening to understand things as if through someone else’s sight.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n