Below is part II of the Empathy quiz “How well do you do Empathy? Answer with True or False for you. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
1. If a friend complains about a boss at work, I’m likely to advise that person to find another job, change departments or speak up. I like to be helpful by offering solutions.
2. I’m always ready to offer a psychological analysis of my friends’ troubles.
3. If a co-worker expresses anxiety about her relationship with her husband, I’m quick to reassure her that all couples have their little problems, and that she shouldn’t worry about it.
4. It seems that I always know better than my friends what’s behind or underneath their problems.
5. When family members are upset about something, I find a way to distract them or change the subject.
6. I’m quick to remind people that plenty of others are a lot worse off than they are.
7. When empathizing with others, I imagine how I would feel in a given situation and assume the same would be true for them. We’re all basically the same, aren’t we?
You’re done!
True empathy can only occur when we have successfully shed all preconceived ideas and judgments about others—and when we’re comfortable with others’ deep feelings. If you answered true more often to the second set than the first, you may benefit from learning more about how to respond with empathy, how to really hear someone. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give another person.