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15-Year-Old Teen Challenges the Empathy Myth: "Walking a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes Isn't Easy" for National Civility Month this August

We've all been told to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" to understand them better. But is it really that simple? In an age of social media filters and constant comparison, truly connecting with others can feel IMPOSSIBLE. Empathy is a skill that requires practice and intention. Let’s collectively work to spark a conversation about the challenges of understanding and relating to others. Here's the good news: a teenager (yes, you read that right!) will be sharing 4 Key Tips to Show Empathy. Interested? Read more below!


Empathy is in Crisis


Let's be honest: truly comprehending another person's experience is incredibly complex. We each carry our own unique stories, making it challenging to fully grasp what someone else is going through. In fact, a recent study found that the average American today has less empathy than 75% of Americans were 30 years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this trend, with overall empathy ratings dropping by 14% between 2019 and 2022. Millennials have been particularly impacted, experiencing a nearly 20% decline in empathy during this period. This erosion of empathy has far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.


A Teenager's Perspective


As a human and teenager, I understand the challenges of connecting with others in today's world. I believe that while we can't fully step into someone else's shoes, we can still be there for them in meaningful ways.


Empathy Vs. Sympathy


Empathy is often confused with sympathy. While sympathy involves feeling sorry for someone, empathy is about understanding their feelings. Both are important, but this month we're focusing on empathy. It's about truly connecting with someone, walking alongside them through their experiences, and offering support.


Rethinking Empathy


Let's try to shift our focus from trying to perfectly understand someone else to simply being present and supportive. So, How Can We Learn to Show Empathy by Being in Our Own Shoes?


Here are 4 tips for showing empathy:


  1. Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings; Don’t Compare: Understanding that someone is feeling a certain way is crucial. Let them know you hear them by acknowledging their emotions. Avoid comparing their experiences to your own, as it can minimize their feelings. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective.


  2. Listen to Them; Not Hear: Active listening involves truly paying attention to what the other person is saying, without interrupting or forming judgments. This means focusing on their words, tone, and body language to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.


  3. Come from a New Perspective, Because You Can Never Feel What They’re Feeling: Empathy is not about trying to see the world through someone else’s eyes, but it’s about being there for others as a pillar of support. Be open-minded and curious about their perspective, without imposing your own beliefs or judgments.


  4. Take Care of Yourself: Practicing empathy can be emotionally draining. It's important to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. This includes setting boundaries, seeking support, and engaging in activities that help you recharge.


Note: Showing empathy is a skill we're all still learning. It's okay to make mistakes, nobody is perfect Let's encourage each other to keep trying and growing!


“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. '” - Brené Brown

Join the Movement, Let's work together to build a more empathetic world. By understanding the challenges of empathy and implementing these practical tips, we can create a more compassionate and connected society!


What are your thoughts on empathy? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!


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  • Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health (avail. on Amazon & Website).

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