Improve Your Relationship and Listening Skills With Empathetic Listening

Being an active listener is not as easy as it may sound. However, since listening is the more important part of communication, then one must learn how to actively listen. Why? Because without communication, one's relationship would never flourish.

Sympathy and empathy are important when it comes to listening to someone. Practice empathetic listening. But what is the difference between the two? There is just a slight difference between the two, that's why many people get confused. To clarify this further, sympathy involves feeling what the other person feels; to be inclined to think and feel alike; somehow sympathy is also associated with pity. On the other hand, empathy is simply putting yourself in the other person's shoes; being sensitive and aware of what the other person's feelings and what they are trying to convey. Always be empathetic, and not merely sympathetic when listening to someone. When you empathize, you get to be a comforter and you'll be able to understand better, this is not just limited to the feeling; but you are taking action as well.

Sympathy is only associated with pity or feeling sorry for your other half; while empathy allows you to not only feel sorry, but more importantly, to understand what that person is feeling. Even if he says that he is already fine after unloading on you; you may not see it in his face nor hear it in his voice. Some people try not to be too sympathetic in a relationship because they feel that it can cloud their judgment and make them biased and one-sided. You can't help him if you are feeling too involved with those kinds of emotions that he is experiencing.

Learn to draw the line between sympathy and empathy while in a relationship. Nonetheless, when your loved one wants to share something with you, give her the luxury of the time to let it all out. Time is one of the most important gifts that you can give your partner. Always have time to be there for them whenever they need you. Like, as I have said, be empathetic; how would you feel if you are in some problem and you really need someone to talk to, but your lover says that he is too busy to listen to you? It hurts right?

When you learn to listen to others, not only will you strengthen your relationship; you will also learn that you have their trust and respect. They know that you know how they feel even when they don't tell you everything; be empathetic. And this does not only apply to online dating but to everyone who is part of your life.

This article is brought to you by Dating Advice Blog.