Empathy is often confused with kindness. But there is a distinct difference between the two. Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another. It is a rare quality and not many possess this. Interestingly, people with a higher empathy level are labeled as naive. The curious cases where one gets a kick by downgrading another have become the norm. Self-obsession is being seen as self-love in today’s world. And this cutthroat competition era in this commercialized world has been slowly transforming us into lesser humans and we are not even acknowledging it. People tend to forget the lines separating their professional & personal lives. This makes them bring home the same kind of attitude that they exhibit to others at work.

The personal life of a human being is not just self but the delicate bonds that he/she weaves around himself where he/ she can be herself. There should not be any need to compete, or the shame to accept one’s failure. It should be a safe space of just existing and being accepted the way you are. But does it really exist? Yes & no. Well yes, for people who bring in higher levels of Empathy levels in their relationships and, No, where people do the opposite.

Recently, I came across this podcast of a famous South Indian Movie Star where he was asked about supporting his wife in her career. His reply was very, very simple, and yet it connected with the masses. He simply said, “It is high time men understand that whatever a man needs, a woman equally needs the same. She needs her me time, she needs respect. She needs her friends, she needs her fitness and her success too. Why would a man ever try to take away her time from her parents? Why do men tend to think it is always I, me & myself. When is it going to change? “

I mean there is no rocket science in what he said. But his words did touch me. I mean only a ‘man'( I quote, a man), who is sure of himself and has high levels of empathy can say these words and implement them in his real life. Because I have seen many talk big and fall flat on their face when it comes to walking the path. The actor himself is highly acclaimed in his own field and his wife has also won many national-level accolades. You know what, only when two ‘givers’ come together, they create a winning team! Just like the two of them. This is not only about couples. But in my opinion, empathy is often underrated as a human value. It is one of those values that we, human as an evolved species can experience and you can see any relationship that thrives has this component intact. Be it friendship, be it romantic, or even a platonic bond between two people; empathy adds shine to it.

And yet in this busy world, where people take pride in hurting others, this becomes all the more important. The whole world will clap when you excel or do good, but only your trusted ones hold your hand in dark moments. However, ironically, people tend to hurt the ones close to them. I have witnessed many females talking poorly about their husbands just because they earn more. But, these females forget that they are blessed with the best partners, who might earn a little less but handle their family like a pro. Sometimes, man forgets to appreciate what he has already. And in the long run, when something precious is lost, he feels low.

Relationships are not confined only to human beings. We, as humans do feel connected to our pets or the street animals as well. Some people are highly empathetic whereas for others it is just a nuisance! I mean I do not understand, this world is not meant only for human beings. Only when we know the technique to remain in harmony with nature, can we understand that life in all forms is precious. No one is inferior and no one is superior.

Okay, I will close my blog post for today with these thoughts: I had a root canal treatment today, and the entire left side of my face has swollen up! I hope you find more empathetic souls in your lifetime, and may you try to raise your empathy levels in your relationships only if you want them to prosper with time.

Love,

Chinmayee