7 things you do that show you’re an empathetic person (without realizing it)

Being empathetic isn’t always about grand gestures of understanding and compassion.

Often, it’s the subtle actions and words that reveal the depth of our empathy.

Empathy is not just about stepping into someone else’s shoes but also understanding their emotions from their own perspective. It’s more than mere sympathy; it’s a deep, genuine connection with another’s experience.

Being an empathetic person can manifest in ways you might not even realize. It’s in the way you listen, the way you respond, and even in your unconscious behaviors.

Let’s explore seven subtle signs that show you’re an empathetic person, even if you don’t immediately recognize them.

1) You listen actively

Empathy often begins with attentive listening. But not all listening is created equal. Active listening, a fundamental practice of empathy, goes beyond mere hearing.

Active listening means fully engaging with the speaker, providing feedback, asking probing questions, and demonstrating understanding. It’s about being present in the conversation, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

When you’re an active listener, you not only hear the words coming out of the speaker’s mouth but also understand their feelings, thoughts, and intentions.

You’re not just waiting for your turn to speak or thinking about your own response; instead, you’re fully focused on understanding the other person.

You might not realize it, but if you’re an active listener, you’re already showing great empathy. It’s a subtle yet powerful way of saying, “I see you, I hear you, and I’m here for you.”

2) You’re emotionally open

As an empathetic person, you’re not afraid to show your emotions. You are open and vulnerable, which allows others to feel comfortable expressing their feelings around you.

This emotional openness isn’t about oversharing or burdening others with your feelings. Instead, it’s about being genuine and authentic in expressing what you feel. It’s about being brave enough to show your emotions, even when it’s difficult.

When you’re emotionally open, you create a safe space for others to be themselves and express their own feelings. This is a hallmark of an empathetic person.

In my own journey, I’ve found that allowing myself to be emotionally open has not only deepened my relationships but also allowed me to connect with people on a much more authentic level.

3) You’re understanding, not just sympathetic

Empathy goes deeper than sympathy. While sympathy is feeling for someone, empathy is feeling with someone. It’s about deeply understanding the emotions and experiences of others, not just offering sympathy from the outside looking in.

As an empathetic person, you don’t just feel sorry for someone facing difficulties; you try to understand their emotions, share in their experiences, and help them feel seen and validated.

One way to further develop your empathetic skills is by understanding the power of vulnerability.

In my video on embracing the feeling of being an imposter, I explore the importance of acknowledging our vulnerabilities and using them as a catalyst for growth and empowerment. I invite you to watch it for a deeper understanding of this concept:

If you find value in such insights and want to join a community committed to personal growth and authenticity, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. With over 30,000 subscribers, we are a community dedicated to exploring life with more purpose and freedom. Feel free to subscribe here.

4) You see value in every individual

As an empathetic person, you inherently understand the basic dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their status, wealth, or power.

This belief isn’t about being naive or idealistic. It’s a raw and honest recognition of our shared humanity.

You understand that everyone you encounter has their own unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and dreams.

You don’t place people in rigid dominance hierarchies based on superficial metrics; instead, you engage with others based on mutual respect and cooperation.

5) You embrace obstacles as opportunities

As human beings, we all face challenges and obstacles in our lives. It’s a universal part of the human experience. But as an empathetic person, you have a unique perspective on these trials.

Instead of seeing obstacles as something to dread, you see them as opportunities for growth and learning. You understand that every setback, every failure, is not a dead-end but a chance to learn, adapt, and evolve.

This perspective is raw and honest. It’s not about sugar-coating the difficulties or denying the pain they can cause. It’s about embracing the reality of life’s ups and downs and choosing to view them through the lens of opportunity.

In this video, I explore this concept further and discuss why it’s essential to embrace feeling like an imposter. It’s a potent message that aligns with this belief about seeing obstacles as opportunities:

6) You’re not always trying to ‘fix’ things

As an empathetic person, you understand that not every problem needs a solution, and not every emotion needs to be fixed.

When someone shares their struggles or pain with you, your natural instinct isn’t to jump in with solutions or advice. Instead, you focus on understanding their emotions and providing a listening ear.

You recognize the value of sitting with discomfort and allowing emotions to exist without judgment or the need for immediate resolution. This approach respects the individual’s process and often provides far more comfort than any solution could.

This belief is fundamental to creating authentic connections and supportive communities, where every emotion is honored, and every individual is valued.

7) You value personal growth and self-awareness

As an empathetic person, you understand the transformative power of personal growth and self-awareness.

Empathy isn’t just about understanding others; it’s also about understanding ourselves. It requires a deep sense of self-awareness – recognizing our emotions, beliefs, biases, and how they influence our actions.

You’re committed to doing the inner work, confronting your fears, challenging your limiting beliefs, and cultivating self-compassion. This commitment to personal growth doesn’t just benefit you; it also enhances your ability to empathize with others.

By understanding yourself better, you’re more capable of understanding others. It’s through this journey of personal growth and self-discovery that you can deepen your empathy and create more meaningful connections with others.

Empathy: A unifying force in our fractured world

The power of empathy in our lives and society cannot be overstated. In a world often divided by differences, empathy serves as a unifying force, bridging gaps and fostering understanding.

Being an empathetic person is not just about being kind or understanding towards others. It’s about acknowledging our shared humanity, respecting every individual’s unique journey, and creating a more compassionate world.

Whether you’re actively listening, being emotionally open, or embracing obstacles as growth opportunities, your empathetic actions have a profound impact. They not only enhance your personal relationships but also contribute to a more empathetic and understanding society.

As we navigate this complex world, it’s worth asking ourselves: How can we foster more empathy in our daily lives? How can we use these subtle signs of empathy to create more meaningful connections and build a better world?

If you found value in this exploration of empathy and want to join a community committed to personal growth and authenticity, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here. With over 30,000 subscribers, we are a community dedicated to exploring life with more purpose and freedom.