Empathy is the capacity to understand and feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference i.e. capacity to place oneself in another’s position. According to Simon Baron-Cohen there are three components of emotions viz. cognitive empathy emotional reactivity and social skills.
Empathy builds a sense of security and trust. It is closely related to emotional intelligence and is a key to successful relationships. Empathy can be nurtured by employing methods like.
1. increase social interactions
2. connecting through similarities
3. understanding one’s own feelings
4. challenge your self
5. cultivate a sense of curiosity
6. widen the social contact circle.