Empathetic Listening is More than Simply Hearing Your Partner

Empathetic listening goes beyond simply hearing the words your partner is sharing. It involves truly understanding & experiencing their emotions and perspective.

This can be challenging when the conversation is directed at something you may have said or done that triggered the discomfort.

Learning to sit with your partner’s pain is an important skill in deepening intimacy and repair in relationships.

SHOW UP with:

• An open mind

• An open heart

• Undivided attention

• Curiosity

• Forgiveness

• Understanding

• Non-verbal cues (eye contact, leaning in, attentiveness)

CHECK at the door:

• Assumptions

• Defensiveness

• Preconceived notions

• Personal biases

• Judgement

• Resentment

• Need to be right

• Anger

Learning to be with their emotions versus trying to defend, fix or change their experience is where connection happens.

When we show up with defensiveness and/or assumptions we create more separation. The disconnect continues.

Most people just want to be listened to and know that what they are sharing is being honored and respected.

Becoming curious is a way of creating connection, attempting to truly understand.