How to Be Sensitive to Other People's Feelings

It can be hard to empathize and understand the feelings of another person, especially if you have not gone through the same experiences as her. However, with strong listening skills and body language that conveys you care, you can be sensitive to other people's feelings. Being genuine about your concern for her feelings is the best way to display interest and thoughtfulness. Asking questions and making her feel comfortable with your conversation sets the stage for a productive exchange.

Instructions

• 1

  Hold your body in a way that conveys acceptance and openness while she is expressing her feelings to you. Do not cross your arms and physically close your body off to her. Relax your shoulders, keep your hands at ease and do not hold strong expressions in your face, such as confusion or apathy. Refrain from walking around and being distracted by other things going on around you, such as the TV, radio or people who may be nearby.

• 2

  Actively listen to what the person is saying and how she is saying it. Show you are listening by nodding your head and making sounds of agreement and understanding. Make notes in your head of questions you want to ask and what details need to be further explained to you. The most important comments are often expressed with a raised voice or serious tone in her voice. Take note of the comments that seem the most important.

• 3

  Ask clarifying questions and avoid interrupting her. If the way she is demonstrating her feelings is confusing, ask her to provide an example. Try to think of similar experiences you have had that help you understand her current state of emotions. Share this common experience as it might bring you closer together and make her feel she has been heard and understood. Do not delegitimate any of the feelings she expresses. You cannot change the way that someone felt during a situation; only try to understand and attempt to make changes that prevent a bad feeling from happening in the future.

• 4

  Follow up on your conversation at a later time when she is less stressed and further from the event that caused strong feelings. By checking in and asking how she is doing, you are showing you care about what she told you even after the fact. Ask if there is anything else you can do for her such as bring tea, call a friend or attend an event together that takes her mind off the stressful situation.