Empathy has been defined as the ability not only to view things as another person views, but feels them as well. This is particularly important in marriage. Many a spouse experiences a deep sense of loneliness because there is not a strong emotional connection. Differences of opinion are one thing. Not being able to enter into the feelings of the other is another.
A lack of empathy in marriage can spell big trouble for the long-term stability and viability of that marriage relationship notes Marriage Counseling Fort Myers. For those who seem to be less empathetic than other folks, the following exercise, says Marriage Counseling Bonita Springs, can be useful in becoming more sensitive to the emotions of others, especially your husband or wife.
Begin by thinking of a time in your own live when you felt very emotional – feelings ranging from tears to fears. Now ask yourself these questions, “what was the context and situation? Why did you feel the way you did? Was anyone there to comfort you and “empathize” with you? If the answer is yes, how did this individual assist you through the circumstance? If the answer to the previous question is no, how did you feel about that, the fact that you were alone with no one to understand what you were going through? It is not uncommon for those who never experienced empathy as a child to then fail to show it as an adult. Marriage counseling Cape Coral points out that this may be the root of your lack of empathy.
It is beyond the scope of this article to delve into this lack of experience growing up. However, here are four steps you can take to become more empathetic. Step one is to recognize and acknowledge this reality and aspect of your life. Step two would involve sharing this fact with someone you trust, ideally, your husband or wife, or significant other. (How would it feel if someone put their arm around your shoulder and cried with you or supported you through your uncertainties? No doubt it would feel good). Step three would begin to share your own feelings more freely, in order to experience how good it feels to be emotionally connected to another. Step four involves then making an effort to do the same for the other (e.g. you spouse).
If you need help resolving problems and conflict in your marriage, Dr. Ken Newberger, Ph.D., Conflict Analysis and Resolution can help. View the outline of the process he uses on his website: http://www.MarriageCounselingAlt.com/couples.htm. Then call him for a complimentary phone consultation at 239-689-4266. He serves couples in Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs FL, Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Estero and surrounding communities throughout Lee and Collier counties.
A lack of empathy in marriage can spell big trouble for the long-term stability and viability of that marriage relationship notes Marriage Counseling Fort Myers. For those who seem to be less empathetic than other folks, the following exercise, says Marriage Counseling Bonita Springs, can be useful in becoming more sensitive to the emotions of others, especially your husband or wife.
Begin by thinking of a time in your own live when you felt very emotional – feelings ranging from tears to fears. Now ask yourself these questions, “what was the context and situation? Why did you feel the way you did? Was anyone there to comfort you and “empathize” with you? If the answer is yes, how did this individual assist you through the circumstance? If the answer to the previous question is no, how did you feel about that, the fact that you were alone with no one to understand what you were going through? It is not uncommon for those who never experienced empathy as a child to then fail to show it as an adult. Marriage counseling Cape Coral points out that this may be the root of your lack of empathy.
It is beyond the scope of this article to delve into this lack of experience growing up. However, here are four steps you can take to become more empathetic. Step one is to recognize and acknowledge this reality and aspect of your life. Step two would involve sharing this fact with someone you trust, ideally, your husband or wife, or significant other. (How would it feel if someone put their arm around your shoulder and cried with you or supported you through your uncertainties? No doubt it would feel good). Step three would begin to share your own feelings more freely, in order to experience how good it feels to be emotionally connected to another. Step four involves then making an effort to do the same for the other (e.g. you spouse).
If you need help resolving problems and conflict in your marriage, Dr. Ken Newberger, Ph.D., Conflict Analysis and Resolution can help. View the outline of the process he uses on his website: http://www.MarriageCounselingAlt.com/couples.htm. Then call him for a complimentary phone consultation at 239-689-4266. He serves couples in Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs FL, Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Estero and surrounding communities throughout Lee and Collier counties.