How to be more empathetic and accepting of each other is a big step in building a safe, nurturing society. We’re not all the same, and that’s a good thing – it means that we can see things differently, come to creative solutions and enjoy a variety of thoughts and opinions.
By building better connections with others, we can get a broader perspective and human experience which helps us grow and learn. But it can sometimes be hard to put ourselves in the shoes of others and understand their point of view. So how can we learn to be better at this important life skill? Let’s explore some of the ways we can become more empathetic.
The Benefits of Being More Empathetic
Before we learn how to be more empathetic, it’s important to first understand why we should put the effort in to develop our skill in this area. First, on a basic level, empathy is about understanding and kindness – we’re being generous with our time and energy, and showing the other person that we care about them and want to understand how they’re feeling. This is particularly true in relationships and friendships where empathy is important for maintaining connection for long periods of time.
Additionally, practicing empathy can help boost our emotional intelligence, making us better in our workplaces and home lives. Being aware of how others are feeling can help us navigate tricky situations and reduce the risk of conflict. In turn, this can make us feel happier as we enjoy smoother interpersonal relationships. If we display empathy to others, they are more likely to show it to us in turn.
From a physical perspective, being more empathetic actually gets the emotional and cognitive centers of our brains collaborating. We’re teaching our brains a new skill, combining the cognitive, emotional, and compassionate areas of our emotions.
How To Be Empathetic
Now that we understand why it’s important, let’s explore how to be more empathetic in our daily lives.
Be curious about others
In order to understand others, we first need to learn more about them and what’s important to them. So, instead of keeping to yourself when you’re out and about, why not strike up a conversation with a stranger on the bus or in the wait to be served at the store? While you don’t want to intimidate anyone, if they smile at you or make conversation, then don’t shut it off.
If you’re naturally introverted and struggle in social situations, try and think of yourself like a detective. Instead of sticking to small talk about the weather or politics, challenge yourself to find out some interesting facts about the person you’re talking to. Everyone likes to be asked about something they’re passionate about. Once you’ve got that initial topic, you should be able to get the conversation flowing with some follow up questions.
Challenge yourself to share
When talking to others, they may feel more inclined to share information about their likes and dislikes if you do the same. Everyone is allowed to have boundaries, but don’t feel that you’re not interesting enough to be involved in the conversation. Sharing builds trust and connection, and allows others to show you the same level of empathy that you’re trying to show them.
However, don’t be tempted to make things up – not only will it make it harder for you to continue with the conversation, it’s also inauthentic, and takes advantage of the vulnerability that other people have shown you.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone
It’s easy to get caught up in our own echo chambers – we often make friends with people who have similar interests and views to us, which can make it harder to learn about new perspectives. This means that our level of empathy becomes limited, as we don’t have to think too hard to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Even those who study psychology may have to learn how to empathize with a wider range of people.
In order to combat this, you’ll need to actively push yourself out of your comfort zone. Why not challenge yourself to learn about something new, join a new club or even just attend a talk about something you know nothing about or don’t necessarily immediately agree with? The idea is not to change your own views, but rather to learn about others in order to become more empathetic. This is especially easy in the digital age, where we can learn about different perspectives and ideas via the internet – just make sure that you’re being careful that the content you’re consuming is legitimate.
Try not to make assumptions
Even if you don’t realize you’re doing it, many of us will look at other people and immediately label them or put them into a box in our heads based on assumptions about their character. This is especially true for groups that we know nothing about. Part of being empathetic is putting judgment aside and trying not to make assumptions. It’s about learning about others based on information they share with you and how they act around you.
If this is something you struggle with, volunteering can be a great way to open your eyes and increase your understanding of the struggles other people have. Whether that’s at a homeless shelter or something more unique, you may be surprised at what you discover. If you’re not ready or don’t have the time for a weekly commitment, a one-off volunteering day can still be super valuable.
Expand your horizons
When we’re open to conversations and interested in others around us, we build stronger connections. In turn, this boosts our mood, contributing to a healthy lifestyle that is full of curiosity and learning experiences. So, the next time you interact with others, think about how you can be more empathetic and you’ll be sure to see the benefits.
Author Bio
Having first trained as a yoga teacher and then a counselor, Sarah Fraser understands the importance of harmonious relationships. She aims to share her knowledge via her writing to help us all live more empathetic lives.