Empathy

I’ve been thinking a lot about empathy lately.

You can express empathy in different ways – with words, gestures, or even a caring look in your eyes, as your brow furrows while listening intently.

You can share the password to an online streaming service so I can veg out on TV, when I’m not in any shape to do much else.

You can reach out to take my hand, while riding in a taxi that you let take me home after dropping you off, “Don’t worry, it’ll just go on my account automatically.”

You can say kinds words like “I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling” or “Sending hugs. I hope it gets better.”

You can send an emoji. 💜🤗😿

You can invite me over for dinner and a movie. Or sweets and adult beverages. I know we wouldn’t have to say much, just being together would be enough.

Expressing empathy is not hard to do, but it’s not something that comes naturally to everyone.

For some people, empathy is a deep part of their soul. Sometimes it feels so intense that another person’s pain can leave you aching inside. I’m not sure this is necessarily a bad thing.