One of the most important interpersonal skills is empathy, which allows us to tune into and understand other people. Dr. Hanson and Forrest continue their discussion on Intimacy by exploring how we can grow this key strength.

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The material in this podcast comes in large part from our book Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. If you like the podcast, you'll love the book!

Timestamps:

0:30: Why do we need to be empathic in order to be intimate?

1:50: Where does empathy come from biologically?

5:15: Summary of the three ways we can show empathy.

5:50: Is empathy a trait that can be developed?

8:15: Sustaining your attention to other people.

10:35: Letting yourself be truly affected by another person.

12:30: Empathic joining vs. problem solving.

13:55: Having empathy for perspectives very different from your own.

18:45: Ways to have empathy in the moment.

20:00: Feeling felt.

21:20: Using empathy responsibly.

22:00: Empathic imagination.

24:15: How to avoid playing the psychologist.

26:00: Being aware of true intentions.

27:40: Managing tone and using empathy to communicate.

30:25: Finding me and we through empathy.

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