I Feel You. I Won't Judge You.

Empathy is Understanding

I have a deep-seated tendency to offer advice rooted in my genuine desire to assist others. Observing the moment of realization in another's eyes—the light bulb moment—and feeling I am useful gives me profound satisfaction.

However, as I reflect on my path toward fostering empathy, I've discovered an underlying process that precedes advice-giving: a phase of jumping to conclusions and judgment, which contradicts the essence of empathy.

To cultivate a higher level of emotional intelligence and embrace empathy, I now consciously try to hold judgments and premature conclusions—responses driven by the emotional brain—the amygdala hijack.

So, I'm trying to understand people's feelings better and where they're coming from, even if I disagree. I'm learning to listen more and intentionally validate their feelings and perspectives. This embodies the core of empathy—understanding without agreement.

Empathy is about putting oneself in someone else's shoes and seeing things from their perspective.

At its core, empathy is about connecting with others' feelings and perspectives without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing with their viewpoint. It's about validating their experiences and emotions as real to them. It creates space for more meaningful interactions and relationships.

Empathy is the cornerstone of your social intelligence. It is the ability to navigate social complexities and build strong relationships.

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