Understanding Empathy
Do people find you annoying because of your lack of consideration? Well, you don’t really intend to offend them, it’s just that, you can’t understand their situations and end up saying horrible things instead of consoling them. And if you are getting sick of pissing them off, then it’s time to show them empathy. But if this word doesn’t ring a bell, then remember this short list very well…. for it will save you of losing your friends because of your lack of understanding:
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Put yourself in their shoes. This is the best way to understand what your friends are going through. When they tell you their problems, try asking yourself, “What will I feel when it happens to me?” When you have the answer, then it’s the sign that you are starting to empathize.
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Be open-minded. Bear in mind that people have different reactions towards various situations. Even if it irritates you, and even when you think that their problem is too shallow, you still have to understand them.
There are other ways to display empathy with the people around you. Just remember that the key to empathizing is “understanding.”
