Lending an “E.A.R.”
It happens to all of us at many times in life. It may be happening for you right now.
We have someone in our life, whether its at work, home, our friends, or in our extended family, that we just cannot seem to connect with anymore. It honestly feels that they are always causing trouble and pushing us away. No matter how many times you try, you just can’t seem to get through to them.
When you're struggling to connect with a colleague, friend, or loved one because it feels like they always have to be right or maybe they express to you that they feel you don't care or just don't understand...
Lend an "EAR"…
I know, it sounds corny, but it really works. Lean in to your relationship and practice the EAR skills… you’ll see!! But it’s not magic, you have to keep it up. It sounds easy to do once you know it, but honestly, it is one of the hardest skills to practice, especially when you feel that the other person is just being a pain.
Here it is…
E: Empathy (acknowledge the other persons feelings)
A: Assertiveness (share your feelings using 'I feel' statement)
R: Respect (express/convey caring and respect)
Check out the article from Psychology Today, “When Someone Won’t Own Up to Their Bad Behavior” to learn more about how practicing empathy makes a big difference in your relationships.
Services Offered at Metanoia Counseling
Our therapy services include, counseling for teens, trauma and PTSD therapy, EMDR therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), counseling for managing difficult relationships, therapy for anxiety, counseling for childhood traumatic experiences.
About The Author
Tia Wilcek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Metanoia Therapy. Metanoia Therapy offers both in-office and online therapy to individuals.
Tia specializes in helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences, challenging beliefs built throughout the years, and shifting focus towards the life worth living.
