What is an empathic person? The word of the moment is "empathy". Every time we read about some event in which someone disregarded or disrespected someone else's feelings, there is always someone to raise the issue of lack of empathy.

But what does it mean to have empathy? What is an empathic person? Could you recognize someone like this in your everyday life? In this article we will talk a bit about what it means to be an empathic person and what behaviors we can notice in these people.

Empathy: the art of seeing the other's place

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From the Greek "empatheia" (meaning "passion"), empathy is about establishing affective communication with another person and has to do with identifying and understanding their emotions.

In general, to have empathy means to "put yourself in the other's shoes". But the concept can go beyond that, for an empathic person not only puts himself in the other's shoes, but - first and foremost - he also knows and recognizes the feelings of others. It is not necessary to feel the other's pain to recognize its existence and power to affect someone. To know that the other also suffers and to have the humility not tojust considering that it hurts only because it might hurt us is one of the greatest qualities of empathetic people.

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I understand you

An empathic person understands the other person without judgment. They see your needs and emotions, and seek to experience what you feel in an objective way, without prejudice. They seek to truly understand what you are going through, to find a way to help you.

I feel your pain

The person who has empathy is able to grasp what ails the other person, is able to perceive the pain, and because he cares, he ends up putting himself in the other person's shoes.

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I hear you

Empathy is about active listening, about respecting each other's individuality. The empathic person listens to you first, instead of acting selfishly. He doesn't simply wait for the time to speak. He knows how to observe and sincerely receive what you have to say.

I really care

Unlike being sympathetic, being empathetic is not just about listening for the sake of listening, asking out of politeness. Many times we have no interest whatsoever in the lives of others, we only establish communication in a superficial way.

The empathic person truly cares, sincerely wants to know what is going on with you. When she asks you, "How are you?", she is in fact interested in your emotions and your feelings. With her, you can truly open up.

I want to help you

Helping to solve problems, stopping a pain, bringing joy... these are all characteristics of an empathic person. She really wants to help, but without interfering in your life or invading your space.

Empathy in practice

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There are many situations in life where empathy is exercised. Active listening, non-violent education, raising with attachment, and positive discipline (which is a set of respectful practices used in raising children) are great examples of empathetic behavior.

Or simpler attitudes - such as welcoming a new colleague to work, being willing to understand all the difficulties of a new moment, helping him to evolve within the work environment; or the respectful and kind attitude of a teacher towards a problematic student - are also typical of an empathic person.

The humanized care in hospitals, whether in the doctor-patient relationship, or in procedures such as childbirth performed with respect for the woman's dignity; a mere psychological welcome in a Facebook group when someone reports a problem or an affliction... All this is generated by the influence of empathy.

To be empathic is to perceive the other with respect, solidarity, interest, love, affection, and without judgment or criticism. An empathic person makes everything around him/her evolve. He/she makes the world a better place to live in. The world needs more people like this.

And you, do you consider yourself an empathic person?