Empathize With Loved Ones
Have you ever expressed your dismay about something to a friend or loved one only to see that they just don't get it? They can't understand why you would possibly feel the way you do. They can't empathize with you. In my opinion, being able to empathize with a loved one is very important when it comes to maintaining a caring relationship.
Friends and family members need to learn to put themselves in our shoes for a few minutes so they can understand how we are feeling. It's a big disappointment to us when they can't do that. Sometimes they not only can't seem to understand but they tell us we are wrong to feel the way we do. This can cause relationships to crumble and friendships to fall by the wayside if it happens too often. We don't need our friends and family members to be our counselors but we do need them to understand as much as possible.
I was finally motivated to blog again when this happened to me.....again....with one of my loved ones. She not only can't empathize but often just changes the subject or disappears. I think I've gotten the message loud and clear that she isn't a part of my supportive group of people. I find I still want her to be and I know I will go talk to the wall again someday. I fear that says something negative about me....an unwillingness to accept the way things are....maybe? Relationships sure are difficult sometimes!
Friends and family members need to learn to put themselves in our shoes for a few minutes so they can understand how we are feeling. It's a big disappointment to us when they can't do that. Sometimes they not only can't seem to understand but they tell us we are wrong to feel the way we do. This can cause relationships to crumble and friendships to fall by the wayside if it happens too often. We don't need our friends and family members to be our counselors but we do need them to understand as much as possible.
I was finally motivated to blog again when this happened to me.....again....with one of my loved ones. She not only can't empathize but often just changes the subject or disappears. I think I've gotten the message loud and clear that she isn't a part of my supportive group of people. I find I still want her to be and I know I will go talk to the wall again someday. I fear that says something negative about me....an unwillingness to accept the way things are....maybe? Relationships sure are difficult sometimes!
Posted by ozzieblackcat at 6/3/2010 8:45 AM 
Categories: family, depression, anxiety, relationships, friends, mental health
Tags: Ozzieblackcat His and Hers Depression Blog Depression Blog Mental Health His and Hers
Categories: family, depression, anxiety, relationships, friends, mental health
Tags: Ozzieblackcat His and Hers Depression Blog Depression Blog Mental Health His and Hers
I know what you mean. It would be nice to have them just be supportive,
but I guess I just need to stop and
think. I really know how the really
set-in-their-ways ones will react and
shd try to talk about things I know we
agree on, but sometimes I forget. I
don't want to listen to a long diatribe
so maybe it will remind me the next time
not to get on a subject they can't handle.
I like this subject and also I like
that it is presented in a socinct way.
I get really neat e-mails with a really
good point and then it goes on and on
and I wonder how I would ever get it
copied so I jot down the best parts and
move on. But I really wanted to keep
that special part where I could look
at it again and I really wanted to share
it.
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i am writing a tragic love story and the girl ends up dying and the guy gets really depressed and i want to make the relationship sound real and like true love so what are some important characteristics of a true love relationship?
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This has happened to me several time but that is the way some people are.This is an interesting article.keep it up.
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Good relationship would give good understanding. There is no perfect relationship but there will surely be reconciliation.
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We also need our friends and / or relatives guidance, advice, and understanding as well. Sometimes, when a person disagreed on you, its another way of depression or should I say additional depression. But, we have different personalities and opinions. For the person who sees your depression, it is a must that they should be attentive listeners. After a while, all we need is someone who will listen to our yearnings.
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During the summer i feel very relaxed. I love the heat and the smell of the air in summer. I feel most balanced. I feel refreshed when I wake up. My sex drive is normal.Is it normal for the mind to empathize with the whether?
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I can totally relate to this. I especially find it painful when they just change the subject, as if that makes it somehow disappear. But I also find myself going back again and again. It must be our need to be understood.
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Yes it is sad when people your close to just do not understand how at times you need them to listen. I really enjoyed reading this post. Sorry I have not been around lately but I have been having so much trouble with my computer. Do stop by and visit with me soon. Hugs
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NICE...BLOG..
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I completely understand how you feel. through my difficult and long struggle with depression one of my greatest frustrations has been getting people to understand that often it is so far beyond my own control. Too often people think if you try harder this mental illness will just dissapear.
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