Tag: sympathy

It starts as a whirlwind romance; you’re swept off your feet by their charms and attention. They say everything you’ve ever wanted to hear, and fulfill the deeply specific craving for attention you’ve always needed. Then time goes on. The love struck compliments are replaced by snide jabs and staggering overreactions. You find your needs neglected or overridden. The caring and empathetic qualities you prized so deeply, are replaced by coldness you never thought possible.

Maintaining a relationship can be tough. Two individuals attempting to get—and stay—on a same page is difficult in any situation. With a relationship, the pair are attempting to write a whole book together. As challenging an undertaking as this is, there are some time-tested practices which can increase your odds of successfully coauthoring these chapters of life.

1. Engage with active listening: Therapists are taught that there is a difference between listening and hearing.