250 – How to Build Empathy and Improve Relationships

One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients is, “I wish my partner/parent/friend/whoever would be more empathetic!” We often look down on or get frustrated with those we don’t feel are empathetic enough, but empathy isn’t a trait you either have or you don’t…or a trait that makes someone good or bad. Like any healthy habit, it’s a skill we learn…and anyone can learn it if they want to!

Everyone wants to be heard and understood, and this is why empathy is such a beautiful skill in life: it’s a tool that helps us connect more deeply with others and show them we care. In this episode, I’m giving you four simple steps that you can use to begin practicing and building empathy with any relationship in your life!

Listen to discover: 

• The definition of empathy
• Four simple steps to build empathy 
• How to get started with feeling emotions
• Things you can ask the other person to show you care
• Why showing empathy is different than prying

When you practice empathy, you open your own heart and emotional body. You deepen connection with others but also yourself!

Being able to show empathy is deeply connected to our ability to feel our own emotions. And since feeling emotions and being present are core parts of The Adult Chair, as you do your own work and live in your Adult Chair more often, don’t be surprised when you find that empathy begins to come more naturally. It’s all part of being healthy! 

 “If you don’t listen well to others and automatically go into “fix it” mode, you may need to brush up on your empathy.” – Michelle Chalfant

“Offering empathy to another human being will get you much further than fixing them.” – Michelle Chalfant

“Deep listening with empathy can change someone.” – Michelle Chalfant

“Empathy is a skill that can be learned.” – Michelle Chalfant