Empathy Isn’t Agreement, It’s Understanding

When we have empathy for someone, we aren’t agreeing with them so much as we are demonstrating an understanding of what/why they’re feeling what they are. 

Not being in agreement while still understanding is a superpower. 

Someone can be mad at the rain and you can both think that’s pointless but also recognize the disappointment they have over their parade being ruined. 

The alternatives of faux agreements or refusing to understand are counter-productive. 

h/t Chris Voss