How to be empathetic

Empathy is a capacity for perception, and refers to the fact of understanding what another individual is feeling. Therefore, people who have a higher level of empathy are those who know how to read others better through words, non-verbal language, facial expression and tone of voice. But, how to be empathetic ? The first thing is to get in the place of the other, knowing how to listen carefully and showing self-control when necessary. Next, teach you these and other fundamental requirements to develop empathy.

Get in the other's shoes

To become an empathic person it is important to get to understand others, their opinions and their points of view, as well as to take into account the circumstances in which they find themselves, and even their education and culture, as this is the basis of the which is based on his philosophy and probably a large part of his decisions.

In addition to identifying your mood, an empathic being finds out the reasons why the other person is like this. In this way you will be able to understand the background of the situation that your neighbor is going through, that is, what the experience you are experiencing represents or means.

Also, remember that when it comes to talking to that person you have to do it with tact and delicacy so as not to hurt him and show him a sincere interest; This fact is also related to being a better person day by day.

Listen to others

Empathy has to do with the attention we pay to others. Therefore, it implies listening by being interested in what the other individual has to say. Sometimes it is not easy to open the heart. Some people find it easier than others, but you must understand that we are not all the same. So it is your obligation, like being empathetic, to respect others and let them speak without interrupting them abruptly during the exercise.

In this way, when someone talks to you, keep your attention on their words and expressions. Also keep the eye contact to show interest, but without looking offensive, but always relaxed and quiet. And the environment must be peaceful so that he opens himself to you without feeling that you are judging him.

On the other hand, agree when you understand what you are saying so that you are aware that you really listen to him, and ask related questions to help you delve into the subject. You also have to ask her how she feels, and recognize her feelings with phrases like "I understand how you feel" so she can see you can identify with him and understand his position.

Offer your help

If you notice that someone needs help, offer to speak with that person selflessly, and do it by showing yourself at ease without giving the feeling that you consider it an obligation or even an annoyance. The next day, ask her how she is doing, so she will notice that you remember your conversation and will feel important, which will also make her feel better.

However, you should avoid hackneyed and unfelt phrases, as this is not comforting for the interlocutor. That is, try to observe your own feelings and be honest by speaking tactfully and putting yourself in their place.

Keep your composure

Another exercise that you have to practice to have empathy is self-control . This means that if you have had a bad day but your friend that you have left is not having a good time or even it is about helping a person with depression, give preference to tell you what has happened to him, listening to him interested. Then you can tell your concerns if you need to, but put others ahead of you. That shows that you are kind, something that as you have been able to observe is quite linked to empathy.