The ability to understand how another person feels and the willingness to alter one's behavior in light of how others feel is called empathy.Some people are more compassionate than others and you probably don't know it.If you want to become more understanding of your friends, you can practice empathizing.
Step 1: Being an active listener is what you should be doing.
Listening to what a friend has to say is one of the best ways to show compassion.It's easy to get caught up in your own thoughts while your friend is talking, or to be distracted by other things in the environment.A truly compassionate friend will listen to a friend in need.Make eye contact with your friend.It's important to minimize distraction.Don't check your phone while your friend is talking, turn it off and put it away.Don't think about what you're going to say while your friend is talking.You can show that you're engaged by simply nodding and listening attentively.Ask open-ended questions when your friend stops talking.Your friend may not want to talk about everything in detail.
Step 2: You shouldn't judge your friend.
You need to set aside your biases and accept another person as they are.Accepting that person's suffering and experiencing an emotional response to it is part of that.Your friend doesn't need to feel worse about what they're going through.It's your duty as a friend to offer support and kindness.If you opened up to your friend about something difficult, they would make you feel judged or shamed.Instead of judgmental behavior, what type of behavior would help you during difficult times?
Step 3: Tell your friend what you think.
It's a good idea to reflect on what your friend has said while you're listening.This can show you care about your friend and that you're engaging with their thoughts and feelings.Don't repeat what's said.This may be seen as condescending or impersonal.Ask your friend to give you follow up questions.If your friend says that no one at work understands them, you might say, "I'm sorry that you're having a difficult time."Why do you think you're having a hard time connecting with your coworkers?
Step 4: Continue help.
Sometimes a friend going through a difficult time just needs someone to talk to.They might not be looking for advice beyond the company of a reliable friend.If your friend wants to spend time with you, let them know that you're available.If your friend needs you, follow through on your offer.If your friend is going through a difficult time, make yourself available as much as possible.Every time you and your friend spend time together, continue to practice showing compassion.
Step 5: Get curious about people.
You have to be interested in how someone feels in order to empathise with them.It makes sense that having a basic curiosity about other people and their lives is one of the most important aspects of empathy.Take note of other people's body language.You can eavesdrop on conversations in public places.Think about what other people are doing on a day-to-day basis.This can be done quickly.While you're stuck at a red light, look at other drivers' faces and expressions.Think about where those individuals are going, what they're doing, and what's going on in their lives right now.
Step 6: People need and want what they need.
Being aware of their needs and wants is part of feeling empathy.Practice on people you know will help you recognize others' needs and wants.If you notice that your friends or family members are upset, ask them what they need or want in that moment.You could use contextual clues to figure out what someone needs.If someone is cold, you can assume that they want warmer clothing or shelter from the elements.Imagine yourself in someone else's condition and ask yourself, "What would I want or need in that moment?"This can help you understand what's going on.
Step 7: Try to take care of the animal.
An important component of empathy is having a general desire to help someone.Spending time with an animal makes you want to help it in any way you can.Some people may be able to develop a stronger sense of compassion for other people if they care for an animal.If you can, try to volunteer at an animal shelter.It is possible to care for an animal at home.If you deepen your concern for the animal, you will be able to empathise with others.
Step 8: Speak in a way that is compassionate.
You may not be aware, but how you say something is just as important as what you actually say.It is possible to train yourself to sound more caring and concerned when speaking to a friend.You can use a recording device to say "I'm sorry that happened to you."If you want to record each version of the phrase, say it several times in different tones of voice.Determine which one would sound most consoling to you by listening to your recorded phrases.If you practice the way you say it, it will come more naturally to you.If you want to be aware of your facial expression, you should practice in front of a mirror.You don't have to be faking the emotions or being insincere to practice an empathetic voice and expression.It is a way to become more aware of your body language.
Step 9: Do not be impatient with yourself.
Most people have the capacity to empathise with others, even if they don't feel the same emotion, as long as they recognize that you need to show kindness to someone.Some people can be easy to empathise with.If you don't get it immediately, be patient and practice.Some people have a hard time empathizing due to a strong sense of individuality.You don't have to be less capable than others; you just need to spend more time and effort working on it.Keep practicing and be patient.You will be able to empathise with your friends and other people you don't know.
Step 10: You should be aware of your feelings and thoughts.
It's easy to be angry or frustrated with someone you don't like.Feelings of anger can be hard to transition into feeling sympathy for.Trying to catch yourself before anger has fully blossomed is the key.It's a good idea to notice any physical sensations you might have when you don't like someone.If you're frustrated, you could be experiencing a rapid heartbeat.If you're feeling sympathetic, you might feel some sadness.If you find yourself having thoughts or feelings that interfere with your ability to empathise, take a moment to breathe slowly and deeply.Open yourself to the other person's feelings and let go of negative emotions.You should be able to understand the other person's struggles once you're calmer.If you want to develop a stronger sense of empathy, you should continue working on it even if you don't feel it immediately.
Step 11: Don't think about what you have in common.
One of the best ways to humanize someone you don't like is to consider how similar they are to you.You have the same basic needs and wants even though your life is different.Think about how an individual is similar to you.Everyone you meet has hopes and dreams as well as fears.You may find some similarities between you and the person you're focusing on if you look closely enough.
Step 12: Walk a mile in the other person's shoes.
Some people need to understand why a person behaves the way they do in order to truly humanize them.One way to do this is to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.Imagine the hardship of someone's life, or try it out for a day.If you haven't experienced what someone else is going through, you can imagine what it would be like.If you can relate someone's suffering to something you have experienced, then understand what that person is going through.If you still have both parents, you may have experienced the death of a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or another relative.You can imagine how intense it must be for someone to lose a parent.