Balancing Empathy and Compassion: Avoiding Coddling and Belittling
Episode Overview
Understand the difference between empathy and compassion. Avoid making supportive interactions about yourself. Learn how to set clear boundaries and express your needs. Recognise when you’re being coddled or belittled. Gain practical advice for offering effective support.
A good, healthy empathy is coming up and being like, I see that you're really sad. I've had similar situations. What can I do to help?
Ever wondered why some people’s attempts to comfort you feel more like a slap in the face? In this episode of 'Relational Recovery', hosts West Thompson and Austin Hill tackle the tricky balance between empathy and compassion. Drawing from their own experiences and insights from Jay Shetty, they explore how well-meaning gestures can sometimes come off as coddling or belittling.
They highlight the importance of being there for someone without making it about yourself – a common pitfall in empathetic interactions. West shares a personal anecdote about a time he was told to 'just ignore' his feelings, illustrating how such advice can be more hurtful than helpful. They also discuss how to respond when you realise you're being coddled or belittled, offering practical advice on setting boundaries and expressing your needs clearly.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to support loved ones in a more effective and compassionate way. Tune in to learn how to strike the right balance and truly be there for others.