31 Empathetic Statements for When You Don’t Know What to Say (2023)

FAQs

How do you express empathy in words? ›

“I would feel X too in that situation”

By confirming that you would feel the same way, you create a sense of accord. It not only shows empathy for the customer's plight, but also assures them that their feelings are understandable.

His followers found him easy to talk to, an attentive listener and empathetic. Horizon helps to explain why dogs are such empathetic and intelligent creatures.

Silent empathy is a quick process to identify what the other person may need emotionally or physically in that moment. By understanding them in this way, it helps you calm down by seeing them as human and not as the cause of your stress.

Instead of apologizing, use phrases like '“I'd love to add,” “I think that,” or “Here's a different perspective.” These phrases help you contribute without sounding scared to do so.

Below is an example of how we teach empathy:

After all, I used the word sorry in my statement to Mary. But I didn't apologize—I empathized! “I'm sorry you spilled the coffee in your lap, and I feel bad you have to go home and change your outfit” is 100 percent empathy. No different than say "sorry" at a funeral home.

When you go see someone in grief and tell them how sorry you are, it can feel like you're empathetic to their situation. After all, you know it must be terrible to live a loss like that. Maybe you even take the time to bring them flowers or a card. However, this is an example of sympathy.

One example she gives to illustrate this difference: If a sympathetic person sees a houseless person, they might give that person change and go on about their day. An empathetic person, however, would spend time with a houseless person, maybe taking them for a meal, and attempt to connect with them on a human level.

What is a reassurance statement? ›

What Are Reassurance Statements? Reassurance statements refer to the phrases used by contact centre agents to remove a customer's fear or doubt. They are important as they help customers feel confident that their questions and issues will be resolved as efficiently as possible.

Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people's emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.

My dad was a very tolerant man and had great empathy with people. It is impossible not to feel intense empathy with these athletes. His empathy is one of his advantages. He had a great empathy with horses and was a people person as well.

For example, you likely smile and take the trouble to remember people's names: that's empathy in action. Giving people your full attention in meetings, being curious about their lives and interests, and offering constructive feedback are all empathic behaviors, too.

Not listening to other people's perspectives or opinions. An inability to cope with emotional situations. Lack of patience for other people's emotional reactions. Reacting with impatience or anger when frustrated with other people.

Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse, shallow affect, glibness, manipulation and callousness.

Someone with low empathy may joke about someone's emotions or circumstances. They may also have a difficult time actively listen to you. They could also act chirpy or indifferent after you just expressed feeling sad or stressed. Someone who is empathetic might try to cheer you up if they see you down.

How do you apologize to someone you hurt unintentionally? ›

A sincere apology should acknowledge the mistakes and try to show that you have learned from them. It can be as simple as saying, “I regret my decision” or “I apologize for my mistake”. It should not sound like an excuse or justify what you did wrong in any way.

A sincere apology contains the phrase “I'm sorry” and is followed by the thing that happened. (“I'm sorry I hurt your feelings by not inviting you to the birthday party.”) These words are important as they signify someone taking responsibility for what happened.

pseudo-empathy (uncountable) The understanding of the thoughts, feelings, or emotional state of another person, but without identification, care or urge to improve their condition. The power to manipulate another person's emotional condition for one's own benefit.

Hyper-empathy syndrome occurs when you are too in tune with other people's emotions and mirror them to the same intensity. In other words, you care too much. People with hyper-empathy may find it hard to regulate their emotions and may have a tendency to pick up on negative feelings.

But what you may not be aware of, is that some people can experience extreme empathy, known as hyper-empathy, where they are very sensitive and highly tuned-in to others' emotions.

Empathy can motivate us to be good to others as we can imagine what it would be like to be in their position and think about how we would wish to be treated. Here, then, lies the origin of The Golden Rule. The Golden Rule can be expressed positively: 'Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

What Is a Dark Empath? A dark empath is a term that describes someone who exploits their ability to understand how other people think and feel. They can recognize another person's perspective while also showing signs of psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism.

What 3 things can you do to actively empathize with others? ›

The language of level-three empathy includes phrases like, “It seems to me you might be feeling …” and “I wonder if what you're saying is … ” and “If I were in your place, I might be feeling … is that where you're at?” Level-three empathy takes practice.

Toxic empathy is when a person over-identifies with someone else's feelings and directly takes them on as their own. For example, feeling anxious for a friend when they're facing stress at work can be normal.

Affirm – You are on the right track, Vineet, your suggestion is helpful. Acknowledge – I can see you feel frustrated with the poor implementation. Appreciate – Your ability to persuade the buying committee has moved us forward. Assure – Don't worry, I can solve this.

Being empathetic is a description of a character trait. “She's so empathetic.” This is used to describe someone who frequently practices empathy--probably someone that you think is just nice, a good friend, or someone you feel connected and supported by.

Compassionate Empathy is taking the middle ground and using your emotional intelligence to effectively respond to the situation with loving detachment. We don't get sucked in and take on the person's burden or feeling.

The levels of emotional awareness in ascending order are (1) awareness of physical sensations, (2) action tendencies, (3) single emotions, (4) blends of emotions (i.e., feeling multiple emotions at once), and (5) blends of blends of emotional experience.

What is an example of empathetic understanding? ›

For example, leaning in, arms and legs uncrossed, communicates you are interested in what the client is saying and empathizing with their feelings. You cannot fully know what the client is going through, yet reflecting back how you perceive their emotional position shows empathy.

Via The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “In empathic listening, you listen with your ears, but you also, and more importantly, listen with your eyes and with your heart. You listen for feeling, for meaning.