Be a Friend With a Big Ear
Your advice is not always the solution
A friend in need may not always want your advice. They could be looking for a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on, or a show of support.
As a trusted friend, you will serve the situation well if you listen with empathy. Real companions are always willing to listen and provide support through difficult times or when their buddies are just feeling down. As tempting as it may be, they are not going to give advice unless asked, but they’ll be there no matter what.
Listening requires you to suppress your ego and consider what is being said rather than reacting with your ideas and opinions
An empathetic listener is skilled at drawing out the whole story from their friends and colleagues. They will skillfully ask questions that reveal the context and details of the crisis. Then paraphrase what they have heard to confirm that the message has been conveyed completely. Furthermore, the compassionate listener will ask questions that lead their conversation partner to discover the answers on their own.
Compassionate listening is listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person. In this type of empathetic listening, tune-in with only one purpose: to help the other person…
