The Empathy Bridge

Most of us try to be understood before we understand. Flip the order. In your next disagreement, lead with one line: "Help me understand what this feels like for you."

Then do nothing but take it in until they finish. Only after you can repeat their side back in your own words do you get to share yours. That single sequence — understand first, then be understood — keeps a disagreement from turning into two people talking past each other. Their experience is valid data, even when you read the same moment differently.