A Life, Folded

68: The Importance of Empathy

13 min · 21 de abr de 2026
portada del episodio 68: The Importance of Empathy

Descripción

When you hear of someone struggling, do you want to jump in and help? Solve the problem? Or tell them how you know exactly how they feel? Well, congratulations, you are just like everyone else! It is a beautiful facet of human behavior that we want to help. But, ironically, when we say things with intended empathy such as, "I know exactly how you feel," we actually aren't displaying empathy. Even in very similar circumstances, we can never know precisely how someone else feels. By saying things such as that, we are unintentionally turning the conversation to ourselves. It is counterintuitive to be sure, but in this episode, we explore some alternative ways to listen and display empathy.  #alifefolded #Empathy #Empathymatters #EmpathyInAction #EmpathyFirst #EmpathyChallenge #ihearyou #validation #listen #listeningskills

Comentarios

0

Sé la primera persona en comentar

¡Regístrate ahora y forma parte de la comunidad de A Life, Folded!

Prueba gratis

Empieza 7 días de prueba

$99 / mes después de la prueba. · Cancela cuando quieras.

  • Podcasts solo en Podimo
  • 20 horas de audiolibros al mes
  • Podcast gratuitos

Todos los episodios

73 episodios

episode 73: How the Narcissist "Serves" artwork

73: How the Narcissist "Serves"

Have you ever been on the receiving end of something where the giver insists they are serving you, yet, it’s impossible to feel grateful because it isn’t something you ever wanted or asked for? What you did request in clear language was completely ignored and the giver substituted something else entirely, yet they were upset when you aren’t excited about what they have deigned to give you? Narcissists are famous, or perhaps infamous, for “serving” in ways that aren’t serving at all. Something feels wrong or off in their purported efforts. You are left feeling empty, and sometimes even resentful. You don’t feel like you are being served. And that’s because you aren’t. Narcissists aren’t capable of being thoughtful or thinking of others. "Service" to them is always performed to meet a selfish needs such as control, love bombing, or to help their public image. It is okay to be upset and recognize when you were served in selfish ways and then gaslighted when you weren’t overcome with gratitude for something you never wanted or asked for. #alifefolded #laineycathan #narcissisticabuse [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/narcissisticabuse?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #narcissism  #emotionalabuse [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/emotionalabuse?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #psychologicalabuse [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/psychologicalabuse?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #gaslighting [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gaslighting?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #healingfromabuse [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/healingfromabuse?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #narcissisticabusesurvivor [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/narcissisticabusesurvivor?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #relationshiptrauma [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/relationshiptrauma?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #traumahealing [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/traumahealing?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #selftrust [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/selftrust?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #healingjourney [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/healingjourney?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #mentalhealthawareness [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mentalhealthawareness?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #innerhealing [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/innerhealing?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #toxicrelationships [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/toxicrelationships?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #resiliencebeyondnarcissism [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/resiliencebeyondnarcissism?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #nervoussystemhealing [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nervoussystemhealing?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYAqNafDBzou9gzj_aXHtNrsUtai6nFL6tpbA-joDLZcCEjpzh8-F9P7d4_Xpc94zQRKpxZqk0vsQgpDUKNTjbEuCBPiNWl_yu8L18kBVHSjW5WMDUpOZrDQeaMCFTTk445l0e3k-1Ou5wZ39LHFlaaRU6XprZvCOH0XBplPdr7BlLPoAl5erwGV2ZC34s8c-H6_aDF_iWSYkbp6Raski1l&__tn__=*NK-y-R] #manipulation #manipulationtactics #manipulationawareness #narcissist #narcissisticabuseawareness #narcissisticabuserecovery #narcissistic #narcissistsaredangerous #gaslightingrecovery #gaslightingawareness #gaslightingsurvivor #gaslighting101

26 de may de 202617 min
episode 71: Why Narcissists Leave When You Get Sick artwork

71: Why Narcissists Leave When You Get Sick

We all have natural expectations with committed relationships--that our spouse or partner will be there for us during difficult times. After all, don't we promise in poverty and wealth, in sickness and health? Everyone knows that life brings ups and downs for all relationships. But, that person you have given so much love and support to will do the same when you need a little help. Right? Sadly, partners of narcissistic individuals often find that when they are not highly functioning they are met with disdain, impatience, and dismissal. Why can't a narcissist provide even the most basic care and compassion to those who love them? #alifefolded #laineycathan #narcissisticabuse #narcissism  #emotionalabuse #psychologicalabuse #gaslighting #healingfromabuse #narcissisticabusesurvivor #relationshiptrauma #traumahealing #selftrust #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #innerhealing #toxicrelationships #resiliencebeyondnarcissism #nervoussystemhealing #manipulation #manipulationtactics #manipulationawareness #narcissist #narcissisticabuseawareness #narcissisticabuserecovery #narcissistic #narcissistsaredangerous #gaslightingrecovery #gaslightingawareness #gaslightingsurvivor #gaslighting101

12 de may de 202615 min
episode 70: The Gratitude Trap artwork

70: The Gratitude Trap

Have you ever had someone respond to your troubles with something like, "Well, I choose to focus on gratitude and what I do have versus what I don't." Ouch! Gratitude is an amazing, and necessary, emotion. Expressing gratitude can do much to improve our lives. However, it can also be a trap. If we constantly force ourselves to put a positive spin on anything that happens, we can repress our feelings versus processing them. We can also stagnate in our personal development because we feel guilty for wanting more in our lives. Be grateful. Be tremendously and profoundly grateful. But don't feel bad about yourself is you are both grateful and experiencing a struggle. Life is full of duality and a "but-and" attitude can help us to acknowledge difficulties, and still process our pain.  #alifefolded #laineycathan #gratitude #gratitudetrap #guiltfree #emotionsmatter #processingemotions #feelingsarevalid #feelingsarereal

5 de may de 202612 min
episode 69: Target-Love Bomb-Devalue-Discard artwork

69: Target-Love Bomb-Devalue-Discard

There is a somewhat predicable pattern that narcissists use when securing their next source of supply or fuel. Or, when keeping their current supply at the ready. That is targeting, love bombing, devaluing, and discarding. This cycle will continually perpetuate itself unless we become educated, aware, and boundaried. We have a right be loved and honored by healthy individuals. Only we can end the narcissistic cycle of toxicity and pain. #alifefolded #lovebombing #narcissisticdiscard #selflove #selfloved #selflovematters #selfloveera #selflovechallenage #selfcare #selfcarematters #selfcarejourney #narcissisticabuse #manipulation #manipulationtactics #manipulationawareness #narcissist #narcissisticabuseawareness #narcissisticabuserecovery #narcissisticabusesurvivor #narcissistic #narcissistsaredangerous #gaslightingrecovery #gaslighting #gaslightingawareness #gaslightingsurvivor #gaslighting101

28 de abr de 202622 min