When people think of empathy, they tend to see it as a soft skill, full of yielding and niceness. That’s a part of empathy, but there’s a deeper and more full-bodied form of empathy that helps you engage with people when they (and you!) are not feeling nice at all. In The Art of Empathy, I share a number of relationship skills for dealing with conflict and for repairing bonds, and this is one of my favorites: Conscious Complaining. Conscious Complaining with a Partner This intentional relationship practice* is an excellent way to de-steam without blowing up, and it can help you create stronger and more honest relationships. In this two-person practice (which you can quickly teach to a loved one) one of you will take the position of the listener, while the other will complain consciously. Then you’ll trade places; it’s very simple. Let’s start out with you as (Read more...)
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