Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person’s situation, feelings, attitudes, or motives. An important aspect of emotional intelligence, empathy is essential to the establishing of healthy and satisfying relationships. There are many ways to cultivate empathy. One way is the following: In your thoughts and attitudes, emphasize the commonalities you have with all other human beings. Realize that we all are seeking the same love, security, recognition, and happiness. And we all want relief from suffering, sadness, and loneliness. Remember this when you encounter an opportunity to practice empathy in your interaction with others. Really caring about another person’s feelings — especially in those times that you feel inclined to impatience, intolerance, or insensitivity of any kind — facilitates our personal growth and maturity. — LivingEman staff
