14
EMPATHY
The ability to feel
and connect with another
person's emotions
Help!
My friend's mom has Stage 4 breast cancer. I feel so bad for her, but I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. What can I say or do to help her through this?
The best way to help is to show empathy. It's okay to tell your friend that you don't know what to say. Offer to listen, if she just wants to talk. Try some non-verbal forms of communication.
Bottom line, just be there for your friend and she will let you know what needs.
Showing empathy through non-verbal communication (body language)
- Make eye contact
- Actively listen
- Nod in understanding
- Get on their level
(sit if they are sitting)
- Make your body language open (shoulders back, hands down)
- Recognize their non-verbal clues