Empathy – Learning to Put Myself in Someone Else’s Shoes
Sometimes we judge too quickly. We see a reaction, a word, or an attitude and draw conclusions without knowing what is happening inside the other person. During adolescence, when emotions are often intense, this happens very often.
But… what if, before responding or criticizing, we tried to understand? How would our relationships change if we could look at a situation through someone else’s shoes? This is where empathy comes in.
This post invites you to discover what empathy is and how to develop it to improve your relationships and emotional well-being.
1. What Is Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand how another person feels, even if we don’t think the same way or agree with them. It does not mean justifying everything someone does, but recognizing that their emotions are real.
Being empathetic means trying to understand before judging.
“Empathy is not agreeing; it is understanding.”
2. Empathy Is Not Weakness
Some people think that being empathetic means being soft or letting others walk all over you. In reality, empathy is an emotional strength. It requires maturity, self-control, and sensitivity.
Understanding others does not mean forgetting your own limits.
“I can understand others without stopping taking care of myself.”
3. Putting Myself in Someone Else’s Shoes Changes How I React
When you try to see a situation from someone else’s point of view, your reactions change. Instead of responding with anger or mockery, you may respond with calm, respect, or silence.
This not only improves relationships, but also protects you emotionally.
“Understanding first prevents unnecessary harm.”
4. Empathy Improves Friendships
Friendships grow stronger when there is empathy. Listening, validating what the other person feels, and showing genuine interest builds trust. An empathetic friend does not minimize or make fun of another’s pain.
Feeling understood is one of the most important emotional needs.
“Being understood is feeling valued.”
5. Empathy Also Means Knowing How to Listen
Listening with empathy is more than hearing words. It means paying attention, not interrupting, and trying to understand the full message. Sometimes the other person does not need advice—just someone who listens.
Listening is one of the clearest expressions of empathy.
“Sometimes, listening is helping.”
6. Empathy Reduces Conflict
Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings. When empathy is present, it is easier to clarify situations and avoid unnecessary arguments. Understanding does not always solve the problem, but it does prevent it from getting worse.
Empathy opens the door to dialogue.
“Understanding calms more than arguing.”
7. Learning Empathy Is Part of Growing Up
Empathy does not always come naturally; it is learned through practice. Asking yourself how the other person feels, observing without judging, and reflecting before reacting are important steps.
Every time you practice empathy, you strengthen your relationships and your personal growth.
“Empathy can be trained.”
Final Considerations
Empathy is a key skill for relating better with others and with yourself. Putting yourself in someone else’s place does not make you weak—it makes you more aware, respectful, and human.
Learning to understand others is a powerful way to grow well.
With care,
Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández,
your friend in health promotion 💛🌿✨
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