Empathy, A Sweet Characteristic
How do you spot a person with empathy?
Let’s assume you have two friends, Sarah and Noemi.
Your telephone conversation with Sarah:
You: “I’ve just bounced back from a nasty flu. I’m feeling better now, though. The doctor said to take it easy for a while.”
Sarah: “I’m glad you’re feeling better. I know the feeling. To have flu in winter can be tough. Take care, alright?”
Sarah’s response is a prime example of empathy. She demonstrates genuine care and understanding by acknowledging your health challenges and providing comforting words. Recognising such empathy in others can help us build stronger relationships.
Now, onto Noemi:
You: “I’ve just bounced back from a nasty flu. I’m feeling better now, though. The doctor said to take it easy for a while.”
Noemi: “Okay. I wasn’t doing great, either. I dealt with a bad case of tonsillitis, but I’m on the mend now. I need to rest up, too.”
Noemi’s response, in contrast, quickly shifts the focus to her own experience without showing much concern for yours. It lacks the empathy demonstrated by Sarah, who took the time to acknowledge your illness and offer supportive words.
Having friends like Sarah, who truly listen and empathise, not only enriches our lives but also strengthens our bonds. Their prioritisation of our feelings fosters more solid connections, inspiring us to reciprocate and create a more empathetic world.
So, what else can we say about empathy?
Empathy is not a complex skill reserved for a few. It is a simple act of attentive listening, understanding, and feeling other people’s experiences. By practicing empathy, we can all become better listeners, deepen our connections, and spread warmth in the world, one heartfelt conversation at a time.
