Empathy -- Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings and motives.
I woke up yesterday and just didn't feel right. Could've been the weather. Could've been that I didn't get enough sleep. Could've been it was just one of those days. We all have them -- those days. Days where we are sick. Days where we've had our heart broken or our pride demolished. Days where we wake up and dread the afternoon meeting. Days where our head hurts, our kids have been rotten, someone in our family is sick, the mortgage is overdue, the car wouldn't start, your doctor wants you in for tests. And on those days, there are many of us that walk around with it written all over our faces.
I know I do.
I have NO poker face. You can tell exactly what I am thinking by my expression. I've tried to correct this issue, but to no avail. It just ain't happening. If I'm happy, you'll see it in my smile. If I'm pissed, well, it's not pretty. But no matter what is written on my face, sometimes I just need a little understanding -- without having to explain why.
Each and every one of us have our days, weeks, months...our own skeletons and scars...fears and dreams. And you know what...they are no one elses business but our own. If someone is having a crappy day, YOU don't have to know why in order to give them some space or a little pat on the back. If someone tells you "no," or "they can't," take them for their word. Must we know every single detail in order to treat people with a little compassion?
No. It's none of your business.
The ability to feel empathy is in most people, unless you're a sociopath. However, so is our need to be "in the know."
Try to override your sense of curiosity with a sense of caring. If someone you know needs a hug -- give it to them. If you see someone who needs a pick me up, give 'em one.
It's not difficult to see when someone is having it rough.
It's not difficult to ask, "You alright?"
It's not difficult to offer a shoulder, "If you need to talk, I'm here."
And, it's not difficult just to give some blind support, "You know, it's gonna be alright. It always is. Everything will work out."
The most difficult thing, it seems, is to keep ourselves from drawing pleasure from others pain. Needing to have a story to tell and retell. The need to know. And honestly, can any of us really say we've never done this? No. But, we can say...we'll never do it again.
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