8 Ways To Become More Empathetic

When you speak to someone, you only get half of the story. In fact most of the time, you don’t get the real story at all. You see, someone can say “I’m fine”, but most of the time, they’re lying. The only way to understand the truth and be able to connect and help those around you is to learn how to be empathetic.

By doing that, you’re literally imagining what it’s like to be in their shoes. The good news? Learning how to be more empathetic isn’t that hard. Empathy is the ability to understand someone’s experiences and feelings. It means you put your own feelings aside and you tune into theirs. You’re walking a mile in their shoes. That helps you to connect with them because you know how they feel; you understand their feelings.

You might have heard of the term ’empath,’ but it’s important to know that you’re not necessarily an empath if you’re empathetic.

# The first step toward learning how to be empathetic is overcoming your own fears

From potential emotional wounds, heartbreaks, misunderstandings, and especially overcoming your fear of being left, you must confront your fears. Start with yourself and never stop.

Instead of thinking, “No one will ever understand me. I’m going to die alone,” shift your attention toward what you can do to improve. As you envision yourself being fearless, your mind will naturally move in that direction.

# You have to put in extra effort to understand yourself

How are you going to understand others if you don’t understand yourself? Reading about your zodiac sign is definitely not sufficient.

Reflection means being curious about yourself and not egotistical, and being prepared to give up narcissism and megalomania. Understanding yourself means accepting your strengths and weaknesses unconditionally.

# Start to recognize your own emotions

In this step, you move from introspection to inspection. Empathy is a shortcut to understanding. It means understanding through emotions. It is less about asking questions, and more about listening to and feeling out the emotions of others.

Mutual respect and understanding are such rare gifts that if you are able to achieve them, you should hold on as tightly as you can.

To do this, you need to start becoming more aware of your own emotions and recognize them. Give them a name, a label. When you become more aware of your general emotions, you’ll spot them in other people too. # The first step toward learning how to be empathetic is overcoming your own fears

From potential emotional wounds, heartbreaks, misunderstandings, and especially overcoming your fear of being left, you must confront your fears. Start with yourself and never stop.

Instead of thinking, “No one will ever understand me. I’m going to die alone,” shift your attention toward what you can do to improve. As you envision yourself being fearless, your mind will naturally move in that direction.

# You have to put in extra effort to understand yourself

How are you going to understand others if you don’t understand yourself? Reading about your zodiac sign is definitely not sufficient.

Reflection means being curious about yourself and not egotistical, and being prepared to give up narcissism and megalomania. Understanding yourself means accepting your strengths and weaknesses unconditionally.

# Start to recognize your own emotions

In this step, you move from introspection to inspection. Empathy is a shortcut to understanding. It means understanding through emotions. It is less about asking questions, and more about listening to and feeling out the emotions of others.

Mutual respect and understanding are such rare gifts that if you are able to achieve them, you should hold on as tightly as you can.

To do this, you need to start becoming more aware of your own emotions and recognize them. Give them a name, a label. When you become more aware of your general emotions, you’ll spot them in other people too.

# Take a walk in someone else’s shoes when learning how to be more empathetic

Being empathetic means entering someone’s world and spending time in it like you are in your own home. It includes continual sensitivity to outbursts of feelings your partner might have, such as fear, anger, vulnerability, and confusion.

It requires you to walk in someone’s shoes. How? By listening!

Far too often we think we’re listening when we’re zoned out. Or we hear what we want to hear and ignore the subtle signs others are dropping in a conversation.

Instead of assuming what you want to beleive, focus on what they’re saying and really pay attention to them. Ask questions and be sensitive to what they’re telling you.

# Dig deeper, rather than taking everything at face value

When your partner expresses emotions or shows signs of being upset, don’t take the first thing they say or do at face value.

Instead, try to understand why they might be feeling or reacting that way. Communicate. Once you have gained a better understanding of their behavior, ask them questions to determine the root of the problem.

You should also read their body language. All too often, people tell you they’re fine when they’re not. If they’re showing signs that go against their words, you need to read it. If they’re crossing their arms over their body, they may be feeling defensive. If they’re avoiding eye contact or fidgeting, they may be lying. Start becoming more observant of body language and you’ll be able to read it more easily.

# Focus on the emotional component of what your partner is trying to say to you

Whatever the content of your conversation might be, don’t neglect it, and pay special attention to the energy your lover is emitting.

Asking, “How do you feel?” is more important than comprehending every facet of the situation. In addition to their body language, pay attention to their posture and tone of voice. Be hypersensitive to everything and piece the jigsaw together.

# Identify the full spectrum of your partner’s feelings

Sometimes, people do not articulate what they feel. Noticing gestures, the look in their eyes, pauses in speech, etc., helps you detect if there is something latent a person is not willing to talk about.

If you are really interested in understanding them, go for it and ask. This way, you are telling your partner, “I am listening to you, and I really want to understand you.” In doing this, you make it easier for them to disclose their feelings.

# Point out polarized emotions when learning how to be more empathetic

Those who are ashamed tend to be quiet about their own contradictions. One minute, they may say they are struggling with something and, the next minute, they negate that they ever admitted such a thing. You are the one who needs to indicate that.

Maybe they are just confused and you can unwind the knot they got wrapped up in.