Understanding Empathy: Its Role in Communication and Relationships

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Formulate a definition of
Empathy- Contribute to relationship maintenance, along with social support. By being selfless, helps look at the perspective of another 's point of view. To attain sensitivity and understanding to how other 's feel. "When you feel empathy with another person, you identify him or her and accurately understand his or her thoughts and feelings" (Rogers, 1957).
*Consider importance in effective communication.
Acknowledgement of the difference between empathy and sympathy, will help understand whether you are being empathetic. Sympathy involves feeling remorse for the other person, but not putting yourself in that predictament or point of view. Empathy includes "demonstrating sensitivity to the other person 's feelings …show more content…

I felt bad and apologized for eating my half with my family, instead of delaying supper like I should of done. It was rude and I should of waited till it was resolved, so it could of prevented the dispute altogether. I did not think of her feelings or how her fiance would feel, but also I was conflicted due to the time frame for my husband and kids eating first. I should of utilized both Active empathic listening and emotional intelligence. I could of sensed the scenario as being tense, due to lack of communication and assurance that it was the correct pizza. Processing the information was delayed due to hunger and frustration and I should of thought about my actions before serving it out. If i would of responded by checking the pizza, I could of possibly prevented their tension, before it escalated like it did. I should of accepted her cues and assured her that she didn 't know, including that it wasn 't her fault. By supporting her sincerely, I would have to take her to complain and I had a time constraint conflicting this dinner date. By being supportive I could of, "Provided information, comfort, perspective, and aid" (Goldsmith, 2004, p. …show more content…

The act of being supportive become categorized, either into the action facilitating support or nurturing support (Athena du Pre, 2009); Otherwise, which means emotionally, physical and/or verbal support versus psychological and networking. Overall the nuturing approach to support, "especially emotional support, are viewed as helpful and valuable across many different social support situations, from minor to extremely severe" (Albrecht & Goldsmith, 2003). There are a few things that can be done that Albrect and Goldsmith proposed, "of assistance to those who are lacking perspective. Mentoring the person 's skills to be advanced at handling stress, helps to alleviate the person stressed whether in isolation or confiding in trusted listener. FInally, once empathy is almost achieved, present them with acceptance and a confidence boost of their dignity, face and self-worth". The only advice given is to not over succeed the content if support. It also promotes good health and well-being. Which involve the cardiovascular, immune, and the endocrine systems (DeMatteo, 2004). Supported by Albrect and Goldsmith (2003), "adaptively and usefully coping with stress, by collaborating in encouragement to be healthier and seeing a regular physician, which in turn will boost self esteem and prospective on self for their future and purpose in

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