If everyone in the world could empathize with each other, the world truly would be a better place. It is understandable that hoping for worldwide empathy is a long shot, so why not start slow and learn to empathize with your significant other? Here are glaring reasons why empathy is very important in a relationship, and why you should be practicing this virtue.
1. Bridge the divide. Fights often break out between couples because they cannot seem to see eye to eye on certain issues. Whether it is something major like deciding whether to have kids or something minor like figuring out what to eat for dinner, put yourself in your partner’s shoes so that bridging the divide and getting past differences is not impossible.
2. Give each other attention. When you learn to empathize with your lover, you will be able to shower him or her with the right amount of attention and love.
3. Bring out the positive. When you can empathize with your spouse, you will bring out the positivity not just in you, but in your partner.
4. Compassion is practiced. Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes will undoubtedly give you the wonderful ability to be a more compassionate person.
5. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Empathy is all about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.
6. It teaches patience. Empathy will undeniably teach both parties a thing or two about patience. Instead of losing your temper and taking things the wrong way, you can choose to react calmly by looking at things from someone else’s point of view in a patient and understanding manner.