Replying with empathy

Apparently responding with empathy does not mean listing off a ton of ways to solve their problem.

Whenever I heard problems or ruminated on my own difficulties I always thought brainstorming solutions was the most beneficial exercise.

But it turns out that can be quite off-putting to others.

Replying with empathy also doesn’t mean getting angry on their behalf.

‘Who the hell do they think they are treating you like that, I’m going to go down there and tear the heads of all of em!’

I don’t know for sure but from what I understood from Brené Brown’s book replying with empathy looks more like:

‘Oh that must be really tough for you.’

It’s recognising their struggle, not belittling it or immediately jumping to cure it.

The reaction it sparks is wildly different too.

If you’re on the receiving end of it you feel seen, acknowledged and supported. After that you can discuss solutions all you like

Replying with empathy doesn’t necessarily create victims.

Empathy is different to sympathy.