Have you ever struggled to understand how someone else feels? Building up your empathy (同理心) skills helps you connect with your friends. 【小题1】

What is empathy?

Empathy is a kind of capability that lets you step into someone else’s shoes and then figure out how they are feeling. For instance, if you can see your friend is upset after losing a football match and you support them by telling them some warm and motivating words, you are showing empathy. Miranda McKeamey set up an organization called EmpathyLab that builds empathy through reading. 【小题2】 “Empathy is a force for change,” she says.

【小题3】

Scientists say empathy isn’t something you are born with, it’s a skill you can acquire through learning. One way you can do this is by active listening. When someone is talking to you, listen closely and respond in a way that shows you understand their situations and emotions thoroughly. Reading, advocated by EmpathyLab, is also a great way to boost empathy, since stories can take you inside someone else’s mind and show you the world through their eves and emotions.

Put empathy into action.

【小题4】 This could mean trying out something that is important to a friend or family member, like exploring their favorite place. EmpathyLab advocated ideas for putting empathy into action in schools or at home. That might be connecting with someone new in your class and having a friendly conversation, or making small changes to your behaviour. All small acts of kindness to others can make a difference, which in turn will be copied by someone else. 【小题5】

Every day we meet a lot of people. 【小题1】 It’s important to do so in a proper way, no matter whether you are introducing yourself to someone, or introducing two people to each other.

Always stand when making an introduction. When you are seated and someone comes up to greet you, make the effort to stand up. 【小题2】

Always keep eye contact while making an introduction. Many people are not aware of the value of this simple action. 【小题3】

Always introduce an important person to all first. The most important thing to remember is to say the most important person’s name first.

【小题4】

A man is introduced to a woman and a younger woman to an older woman. What if you find yourself in a situation where you have forgotten the other person’s name? Start with a handshake and reintroduce yourself by doing this, you will usually cause the other person to do the same. However, if the other person does not take your suggestion, it is OK simply to apologize and let the person know that you cannot remember her or his name. This is not the ideal situation, of course, but it does happen to all of us. 【小题5】