Researchers at the University of Rochester found that feeling understood is strongly linked to healthier relationships, greater well-being and a stronger sense of self. But, people often feel misunderstood even when others understand them accurately. What to do?

We feel genuinely heard when five things are present:  When we have a chance to speak, they receive attention, empathy, respect and a sense of common ground. Miss even one or two of those elements, and people often leave the conversation feeling invisible.  Understanding someone isn’t enough. In experiments with couples, listeners who accurately understood their partner’s thoughts and feelings were perceived as responsive only when that understanding was accompanied by genuine compassion.

One of the greatest gifts we can give another person isn’t advice or solutions but the unmistakable feeling that they matter—that they were listened to, understood and respected.

That’s what is meant by feeling seen and heard.

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity” — Simone Weil

Thanks for sharing DayStarters