Empathy and validation are a couple. And should become combined and employed together. Unfortunately, many of us are unable to get out of our own heads to realize how much this duo is needed today. Simple questions like “tell me more”, or “what can I do to help”, or “how do you feel about this” are game changers for others who hear and feel our empathy.
My daughter struggled to feel accepted as a high-level tennis team player by older girls on her school team. She felt rejected. She was seeded #2, even though only 14 years old. When I picked her up after practice she began crying. I held her hand as I listened to her feeling of rejection. She wanted to quit because no other girl would speak to her. We discussed more at home. She really loved tennis and didn’t want to quit.
I called the coach that night and let him know what was transpiring. He was a wise man and gathered the team together the next day. During practice, several girls came forward and apologized for their behavior.
That year, my daughter was instrumental in leading that team to their first State Tennis Championship in many years. She was proud of the team and they were proud of her.
Empathy and validation are a couple. And should become combined and employed together. Unfortunately, many of us are unable to get out of our own heads to realize how much this duo is needed today. Simple questions like “tell me more”, or “what can I do to help”, or “how do you feel about this” are game changers for others who hear and feel our empathy.
My daughter struggled to feel accepted as a high-level tennis team player by older girls on her school team. She felt rejected. She was seeded #2, even though only 14 years old. When I picked her up after practice she began crying. I held her hand as I listened to her feeling of rejection. She wanted to quit because no other girl would speak to her. We discussed more at home. She really loved tennis and didn’t want to quit.
I called the coach that night and let him know what was transpiring. He was a wise man and gathered the team together the next day. During practice, several girls came forward and apologized for their behavior.
That year, my daughter was instrumental in leading that team to their first State Tennis Championship in many years. She was proud of the team and they were proud of her.
Yes