Empathy
What is empathy?
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
What does non-verbal mean?
Sending a message without using words
What does mutual mean?
A feeling or experience that is the same for two or more people
True or false: understanding how our behaviors make others feel will help us set appropriate boundaries
True! This is why empathy needs to be used while recognizing and setting boundaries
Name 3 examples of non-verbal cues:
facial expressions, gestures, posture...
True or false: if the boundaries of a relationship are NOT mutual, the relationship will be successful.
False! We need to make sure we're respecting the privacy and needs of others, while also making sure ours are respected
Example: You learn your best friend's grandfather passed away but you know they do not like physical touch. In what other ways could you show them empathy?
Sympathy card, attending the funeral, letting them know verbally you are here for them, etc.
You are using empathy to adjust your response and respect their boundary
Name a non-verbal sign that someone's boundary has been crossed
They look uncomfortable or tense, lack of eye contact, turned-away posture, trying to walk away from the interaction
Example: Your cousin is visiting from another state for Thanksgiving. Your favorite hobby is sports, while theirs is video games. Should you talk about your passion or theirs? Both or neither?
Both or neither! Remember how to use segues to get both interests addressed. Or, talk about something that is mutual! (ex. the family, food, weather) If the topic is either all about you, or all about them, it is not mutual.