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Jehosephat · 11-06-2006, 08:20 PM

This may be more appropriate in the Emotional Mastery section... but anyway.

I was wondering if anyone has some good resources for becoming more empathetic or 'active listening' perhaps? I find that, despite my best efforts, I have trouble listening without the engineer in me trying to solve problems. My girlfriend tends to be frustrated from time to time and wishes I would just 'ask the right questions' in order to help her talk through her issues. I have become better at reining in my instinct to offer solutions, but I find myself not knowing how to help her express herself. Of course... she's the psychologist so perhaps her expectations of my abilities are a little high. Nevertheless, it is something I would like to improve upon. I'm hoping I've articulated this well enough. Anyone else experience this issue?

11-06-2006, 08:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jehosephat Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 37	Empathy and Asking the Right Questions This may be more appropriate in the Emotional Mastery section... but anyway. I was wondering if anyone has some good resources for becoming more empathetic or 'active listening' perhaps? I find that, despite my best efforts, I have trouble listening without the engineer in me trying to solve problems. My girlfriend tends to be frustrated from time to time and wishes I would just 'ask the right questions' in order to help her talk through her issues. I have become better at reining in my instinct to offer solutions, but I find myself not knowing how to help her express herself. Of course... she's the psychologist so perhaps her expectations of my abilities are a little high. Nevertheless, it is something I would like to improve upon. I'm hoping I've articulated this well enough. Anyone else experience this issue?