Blogging About Communication

Do you consider yourself an empathetic person? Do you possess the ability to understand and share another’s feelings? Are you able to feel the same emotions as they do? What happens when you lack empathy? When empathy is absent, we find it difficult to understand and share what another person is experiencing. As a result, we likely don’t respond appropriately. Let’s consider some of the ways empathy deficiency affects relationships.

YOU CAN’T SENSE THE EMOTION

Having insufficient empathy makes it unlikely you will be able to identify and understand the emotions of those around you. At the same time, it increases the likelihood that you won’t be able to accurately interpret the emotional impact you have on others.

YOU FOCUS ON YOU

Empathy insufficiency leads to self-centeredness. You focus on your feelings and needs, while ignoring or paying scant attention to the feelings and needs of others.

CONFLICTS INCREASE

An inability to maintain meaningful connections leads to increases in misunderstanding which, in turn, precipitates relational conflict.

YOU PROJECT A LACK OF CARE

If you are unable to understand another’s position and standpoint, you can’t imaginatively grasp their feelings and situation.

YOUR ACTION PLAN

Take these steps to increase your ability to empathize: Make a conscious effort to listen before you speak so you are able to acknowledge the perspectives and feelings of others. Paraphrase statements made, and without judging, ask clarifying questions to help uncover the other person’s emotional state. Show you care about and are working to understand their experiences. Validate their feelings even when you don’t share them. Being curious about others’ experiences and reflecting on how you might feel were you in their position can cultivate greater understanding, increase commitments to fairness, and grow stronger interpersonal connections.