5 Characteristics of empathy that are an example of its importance

Empathy is the ability to identify with what the other feels or thinks, to share their feelings and emotions. It is a healthy way of relating to other people, and establishing constructive and enriching relationships.

Hence, it is a highly relevant social skill in our family, school and professional relationships. Therefore, below we tell you what are the five characteristics of empathy that are an example of its importance.

1. Know how to listen

Knowing how to listen is a fundamental characteristic of empathy. Empathetic people like to build enriching and constructive relationships. They are always willing to listen to each other and are very good conversationalists. So when someone is angry or sad it is important to give them an opportunity to express why.

2. Understand the other

Empathy also involves the ability to understand the other person's feelings, emotions, and ideas; not only that which the other is capable of expressing verbally, but also everything that he manifests with his gestures, behaviors and decisions.

An empathetic person is able to understand the other to the point of being able to feel what the other person is feeling and to understand their mental states in a sincere way.

In empathy we make the other feel understood. Thus, when we comfort someone in difficult times, we are having an empathetic attitude.

3. Identify with the other

Being empathetic is also being able to put ourselves in the other's place, to understand deeply and sincerely what he thinks or believes, what he feels or worries about him, what makes him suffer or rejoice.

Thus, an empathetic person can put himself in the emotional situation of the other and deeply understand his feelings, fears or beliefs.

This is evident, for example, when someone tries to show us the solutions to a problem by remembering that similar situations have happened in the past.

4. Be supportive

An empathetic person has a high sensitivity to what other people feel or suffer. Therefore, empathy has a lot to do with solidarity, with the desire to help the other, especially when going through a situation of need. An example of this is helping a friend who is going through a difficult time.

5. Be respectful

In short, being empathetic also implies respecting the other in their feelings, ideas, behaviors, decisions and, in short, in their way of being and facing life, even if we do not agree with or like it.

Therefore, empathy is a fundamental value to live in society, because it allows us to understand other people and respect the way they express their ideas, feelings and concerns about the world.

We are empathetic when, for example, we support our family, friends or colleagues when they undertake adventures or projects that, sometimes, we cannot fully understand.