Empathy is one of the defining characteristics of emotional intelligence.

To have empathy, you must put yourself in another person's shoes -- to feel what they are feeling and seek to understand their perspective.

You must be willing to step outside of your own needs and feelings in order to be present and engaged with someone else.

Empathy calls for patience, active listening, intimacy, and selflessness. It requires a generous and giving spirit and a true desire to sit with someone in their most difficult moments or share in their most joyous accomplishments.

Some people are naturally empathetic, but most people need to learn and reinforce the skills of empathy.

To do that, we must recognize it's value not only in our relationships, but also in our own personal growth. Practicing empathy expands our understanding of ourselves and others.

It connects us to the human condition -- the suffering, the joys, the sorrows, and the longings we all share. It draws us closer to the people around us and frees us to be vulnerable and authentic with them.

We need to practice empathy in all of our personal and professional relationships, but the one relationship in which empathy was essential is your marriage or love relationship.

A successful marriage requires a deep and abiding communion and closeness between the two people. Love and intimacy thrive on the empathic connection within the relationship.

Why is empathy so important in your marriage? (more…)