[header] How to be an empathetic friend [title] Be an active listener. [step] One of the best ways to show empathy to a friend is by listening to what they have to say. It can be easy to get caught up in your own thoughts during a conversation or to get distracted by other things in your environment while your friend is talking.
[header] How to be an empathetic friend [title] Be an active listener. [step] One of the best ways to show empathy to a friend is by listening to what they have to say. It can be easy to get caught up in your own thoughts during a conversation or to get distracted by other things in your environment while your friend is talking.
However, a truly empathetic friend will listen actively and attentively to a friend in need. [substeps] Make eye contact with your friend while they speak. But if you want to be an empathetic friend, you have to be active and give your friend the time and space they deserve. [substeps] Active listening is the one-time thing in any conversation. However, practicing listening will allow you to be attentive and your friend can tell you about what they're going through even if you aren't listening. Participating in conversation will give you a sense of purpose and give you a reason to feel more involved. One way to show you're active is to let your friend talk into your thoughts as well. [substeps] Show your friend you're paying attention by nodding to show you're listening.