The Power of Empathy in Relationships

Empathy is one of the most essential skills in any relationship. It’s the bridge that connects us to others, allowing us to truly see, hear, and understand them. Empathy isn’t just one thing—it can be broken down into two types:

1. Affective Empathy

This is the emotional response we have to someone else’s feelings. It might look like:

• Sharing their joy or sadness.

• Feeling worried when you notice their fear or stress.

• Reflecting back their emotions by saying, “I can tell this is really hard for you.”

2. Cognitive Empathy

This is about perspective-taking—the ability to identify and understand someone else’s emotions. It’s the mental process of stepping into their shoes and asking, “What might they be feeling or experiencing right now?”

Both forms of empathy are critical for building trust, resolving conflict, and deepening connection in relationships.

Reflect on Your Empathy

Take a moment to think:

• When was the last time you truly showed someone empathy?

• How often do you intentionally practice empathy with your partner?

• And here’s the big one: how do you maintain empathy when you’re angry or in the middle of a conflict?

These moments are often the hardest—but they’re also the most important. Empathy in conflict is what transforms disagreements from divisive battles into opportunities for growth and understanding.

It’s Not About the Nail

If you haven’t seen the video “It’s Not About the Nail,” I highly recommend it. It’s a perfect example of how we often rush to fix things when someone just wants to feel heard and understood.

Empathy isn’t about solving the problem—it’s about being present. It’s about saying, “I see you. I hear you. I’m with you.”

When we practice empathy, especially during difficult moments, we strengthen our relationships and remind the people we care about that they’re not alone.

So, how will you show empathy today?