โNothing is more important than empathy for another human beingโs suffering. Nothing. Not career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if weโre going to survive with dignity.โ โ Audrey Hepburn
If youโve ever watched the iconic TV show with James Lipton called Inside the Actorโs Studio, you know all too well the notorious question he asks during each interview:
โWhatโs your favorite word?โ
I used to wonder what MY answer would be to this question if I were being interviewed on his show (a gal can dream, right?). Well, after some deep reflection, I think Iโve finally found it.
You see, I coach couples regularly on how to reignite their relationships for greater love, connection, and fulfillment. And the number one insight I offer is so simple, yet incredibly effective:
In every intimate relationship, empathy is the key to relationship success.
Related: If You Want An Intense Kind Of Relationship, Date A Girl With Hyper-Empathy
Showing your significant other that you have the ability to understand their experienceโwhether it be hurt, pain, longing, frustration, or something elseโand make them feel heard is the greatest gift you can give. It sends the message, โBaby, you understand me.โ
So here I am, back in fantasy landโฆbeing one of the top actresses of my time, on stage with James Lipton. And Iโm not nervous at all as I gear up to answer the long-awaited question of the day. Whatโs your favorite word?
Itโs empathy.
Hereโs a list of empathy statements to have handy at all times. Use these with your partner regularly for a more intimate couple bond.
44 Empathy Statements That Will Make You The Greatest Listener
1. Youโre making total sense.
2. I understand how you feel.
3. You must feel so hopeless.
4. I just feel such despair in you when you talk about this.
5. Youโre in a tough spot here.
6. I can feel the pain you feel.
7. The world needs to stop when youโre in this much pain.
8. I wish you didnโt have to go through that.
9. Iโm on your side here.
10. I wish I could have been with you in that moment.
11. Oh, wow, that sounds terrible.
12. You must feel so helpless.
13. That hurts me to hear that.
14. I support your position here.
15. I totally agree with you.
Related: 6 Ways To Increase Emotional Intimacy In Your Significant Relationships
16. You are feeling so trapped!
17. You are making total sense.
18. That sounds like you felt really disgusted!
19. No wonder youโre upset.
20. Iโd feel the same way you do in your situation.
21. I think youโre right.
22. I see. Let me summarize: What youโre thinking here isโฆ
23. You are in a lot of pain here. I can feel it.
24. It would be great to be free of this.
25. That must have annoyed you.
26. That would make me mad too.
27. That sounds infuriating.
28. That sounds frustrating.
29. That is very scary.
30. Well I agree with most of what youโre saying.
31. I would have also been disappointed by that.
32. That would have hurt my feelings also.
33. That would make me sad too.
34. POOR BABY!
35. Wow, that must have hurt.
36. I understand what youโre feeling.
37. You are making a lot of sense to me.
38. Okay, I think I get it. So what youโre feeling isโฆ
39. Let me try to paraphrase and summarize what youโre saying. Youโre sayingโฆ
40. I would have trouble coping with that.
41. What I admire most about what youโre doing isโฆ
42. That would make me feel insecure.
43. That sounds a little frightening.
44. Tell me what you see as your choices here.
Related: The 3 Types Of Empathy And Why They Are Important
Which of the above statements really resonate with you? I recommend storing a few of them in your mind so you can offer them to your partner the next time he or she is in need of some empathy.
Youโll be amazed at how much of an impact even a simple empathetic statement can make.
Written By April Eldemire Originally Appeared On Couples Thrive
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