It can be hard to understand what another person is going through.How do you say the right thing when you don't know what you're saying?Don't fret.There are many ways to become more sympathetic in your daily life.There are 10 steps you can take to become a more understanding person.
Step 1: Quality time together helps you understand others.
This doesn't mean that first impressions are unimportant.More often than not, people don't have enough information to make a decision about someone.When you meet someone for the first time, they may be stressed or worried, giving off a completely different impression than they would normally give.
Step 2: Before you make a decision, change your perspective.
Pretend you are going through a day in the life of another person, whether it is a friend, loved one, acquaintance, or someone else entirely.Think about their daily life, and what their schedule is like.A role-reversal can help you understand another person.If your child or student is acting disrespectful, walk yourself through their daily schedule.They may be stressed because of their course load, or have trouble getting to sleep at a consistent time each night.Think about her daily routine if your friend seems closed-off.She might have had a hard day at work or at home.
Step 3: Say "we" and "us" instead of "I"
This small vocabulary shift can really make a difference, even if it doesn't seem like a huge change.You may have an easier time tuning in to how other people are thinking when you include them in your language.When tackling a project at work or school, you might say, "Let's figure out how we're going to finish this."
Step 4: You would like to understand another person's life better.
Take plenty of time to listen and digest what the other person is saying instead of jumping into your own story.Ask the other person how their day is going instead of jumping into a story about it.Even if you aren't close with anyone, you can still ask meaningful questions about them.Questions like "long day, huh" or "looks like you're having a tough day" are great ways to start a conversation.
Step 5: Keep an eye on your friends and loved ones.
Think about their mood over the last few days and see if they seem less chipper than usual.Try to identify anything that could make them feel anxious, sad, angry, or any other emotion, by walking through their daily life.If there is anything you can do to help, ask yourself if you are adding to the negative.If your parent or guardian is sad, you can offer to help or listen.You can do this exercise whenever you please.It is a good way to practice thinking.
Step 6: Experts agree that reading improves your understanding.
You are actually entering another person's world when you read a book.This will allow you to understand the character's feelings and experiences.A Lucky Man by Jamel Brinkley, Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Tobson, and The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkah all explore experiences from different walks of life and are great titles to check out.The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee is a good nonfiction book.
Step 7: There are many ways to expand your own horizon.
Newspaper and magazine articles can be used to see and understand what other people are going through.The New York Times has a channel called "Op-Docs".A lot of life stories and experiences can be found in documentary films.Different experiences and walks of life can be explored by listening to the different Podcasts.
Step 8: Ask a colleague or stranger a question.
If they seem interested, talk to them about their day to day life.Honest conversations can help you understand what is going on around you.You might talk to a co-worker you don't see often, or a neighbor who lives down the street.
Step 9: You should look for people who are different from you.
They may be a different race or religion.Having a diverse news feed can help you expand your knowledge.Muslim or Hindu people might follow you on social media.If you are white, you might follow more people of color.
Step 10: It is possible to be more understanding by volunteering.
You can make a difference by helping at a community garden, joining a committee at your church, or organizing a political rally.Working as a community will allow you to focus on what brings everyone together.To be active in your community, you don't need to tackle a huge project.If you just went through a loss, you might join a support group to meet other like-minded people.