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Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

I saw a post on Instagram that I thought people on here might appreciate. It was about some research that showed offering solutions when someone is upset often makes them feel less understood. I know I often used to jump to trying to problem solve, partly because I want to help, partly because I often feel frustrated when I’m looking for solutions and people just respond with “that sounds hard”. I liked that this post explained why advice can feel unempathetic and also recommended asking what someone was looking for. I’m currently trying to work on being present with people and helping them feel heard before getting curious about what they think might help. Definitely a work in progress though!

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In response to: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

Re: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

What a lovely post @SmilingGecko thankyou.

Little dog is good 👍 but a little bored with me

Suck it up! I say.

At least she's well fed.

Have a great evening 😀

In response to: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

Re: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

Thank you - it resonates with me.

Listening and acknowledging the hardship is so very supportive.

In response to: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

Re: Empathetic Listening vs Problem Solving

@livingkindness

I’m glad it resonated!

I’m subscribed to this discussion, so got a notification, but thought I should let you know that if you type @ and then someone’s username they’ll get a notification which can be helpful to make sure they see it.

I love your phrasing of “acknowledging the hardship”, that’s a really good way of describing what’s needed sometimes.

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