Why It Matters—and How You Can Practice It More

I’ve come to believe that empathy is one of the most potent forces in the world. Not in the dramatic, save-the-world-with-a-cape kind of way. But in the small, consistent 

moments that make relationships stronger, communities kinder, and life more deeply connected.

We all want to be understood. Not just heard, but seen. That’s what empathy does. It bridges the gap between people. It says, “You matter. I’m with you in this.”

And yet, empathy is often in short supply—especially when we’re rushed, stressed, or wrapped up in our day-to-day challenges. I’ve been there. I still find myself impatient at times, distracted, or quick to judge. But when I slow down and choose empathy, something constantly shifts—for me and the other person.

Here’s why empathy matters more than ever, and how you can express it more consistently in your daily life.

What Is Empathy?

Empathy isn’t the same as sympathy. Sympathy says, “I feel sorry for you.” Empathy says, “I feel with you.” It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes—not to fix them, but to simply be present with them.

Psychologist Brené Brown puts it beautifully:

“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’”

Why Empathy Matters in a Disconnected World

We’re more digitally connected than ever, but many people feel emotionally isolated. That’s where empathy comes in—not as a grand gesture, but as a habit of presence.

Empathy deepens:

• Relationships: Whether with your partner, kids, friends, or coworkers, empathy fosters trust and intimacy.
• Leadership: Great leaders are great listeners. Empathy builds loyalty and morale.
• Conflict resolution: When people feel understood, they become less defensive and more open to compromise.
• Mental health: Both giving and receiving empathy are good for your emotional well-being.

How to Practice Empathy More Every Day

Here are some simple but powerful ways I’ve learned to bring more empathy into my life. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be present.

1.  Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Most of us listen to reply, not to understand. Empathy begins when we stop planning our response and start tuning in.

Try this:

Next time someone shares something with you, pause. Make eye contact. Nod. Say things like, “That sounds really tough” or “Tell me more.” These small cues say, I’m here. I’m listening.

2.  Pause Before You Judge

When someone reacts in a way that seems irrational or dramatic, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. But empathy invites us to ask: What might they be going through that I don’t see?

Ask yourself:

“If I had lived their life, with their experiences, would I feel the same way?”

3.  Use Empathetic Language

Words matter. They can create a connection or put up walls. Empathy shows up in how we speak.

Instead of:

• “At least…”
• “You should…”
• “Why didn’t you just…”

Try:

• “That sounds hard.”
• “I can’t imagine how that felt.”
• “I’m here for you.”

4.  Be Curious, Not Certain

Empathy thrives in curiosity. Ask open-ended questions. Be willing to hear stories that challenge your assumptions.

Practice curiosity with phrases like:

• “Help me understand…”
• “What was that like for you?”
• “How did that feel?”
•  

5. Empathize with Yourself Too

You can’t give what you don’t have. Self-compassion is the soil from which empathy grows. When you treat yourself with kindness and understanding, it becomes easier to extend that same kindness and knowledge to others.

Practice self-empathy:

When you mess up, speak to yourself like you would to a friend: “You’re doing the best you can. Let’s learn from this.”

Empathy in Action: A Personal Moment

A few months ago, I was having coffee with a friend who’d just lost his job. My instinct was to offer solutions—networking tips, résumé advice, a list of contacts. But what he really needed was someone to just be there.

So I stopped. I looked him in the eye. I said, “I know that must feel like the rug’s been pulled out from under you. I can only imagine how shaken you must be.”

He didn’t cry or say thank you. He just nodded slowly, and we sat in silence. And that silence said more than my words ever could. That’s empathy.

The Ripple Effect of Empathy

Empathy changes lives—not just the lives of others, but our own as well. It softens the edges. It opens doors. It makes us better partners, better parents, better leaders, better humans.

And the more we practice it, the easier it becomes. Like a muscle, empathy grows with use.

So today, take a moment. Slow down. Look someone in the eye. Listen without fixing. 

Speak without judging. Love without needing to be right.

That’s how we build a better world—one empathetic moment at a time.