November 20, 2009
Bridging the Empathy Gap
When it comes to empathy, women tend to excel. Our innate propensity toward empathy serves us well in our role of nurturer, mom, confidante. These have to do with the giving of empathy – it’s outward manifestation. Women, in general, are good at this. It seems, though, this very natural ability creates problems for us on the receiving side – meaning, that because we are so fluent in giving empathy, we tend to automatically expect it in return.
Case in point: I am sharing with my husband some frustrations I have with a particular pattern of response I’ve observed from him during recent conversations. I want him to not only know how I feel, but to empathize, recognize and validate my feelings. In essence, I’m looking for an organic, emotional connection and acknowledgment of the reality of my emotional experience. In other words, my emotional brain is looking to connect to his emotional brain, because that is what my female brain naturally does – but, guess what? This is not what happens. Instead of our two brains connecting on this same wavelength that is so innate to me, my husband responds from what comes naturally to him – via his rational brain. It’s not that he doesn’t understand what I’m saying; he can accurately paraphrase my words – but his understanding often comes from an intellectual place that can leave me less than satisfied. Sound familiar?
The female default response tends towards empathy; the male towards logic. It’s akin to “asyndetic listening”, when two people are completely disconnected in their conversation . I say, “What do you want for dinner?” and you say, “Did you put gas in the car?”. We are on two different tracks, focused on two different aims. As long as we stay on separate tracks, we will never have a full meeting of the minds – and hearts. So, how to bridge this gap?
It seems the first step is to understand our natural propensities from a brain-based perspective, realizing that our brains literally feel better functioning in our respective preferred modes. As a woman, what I really want is a level of understanding that my girlfriend would naturally provide, because this is where my brain is most comfortable. Not a realistic expectation from a male, so I’m most likely setting myself up for disappointment if I cling to this outcome. The male brain, with less wiring to its emotional center, is most comfortable in its logical, analytical, problem solving mode. Providing what my girlfriend does will most likely never happen. In fact, from his perspective, listening with empathy can seem like being trapped in a endless cycle of emotional exploration with no way out. Something his brain doesn’t handle very well.
So, foundationally, it’s about expectations. Our expectation of empathy and his of rationality. The good news is that they’re not mutually exclusive. Both are attainable. But, it takes a willingness to let go of our expectations and understand each others natural inclination without judgment – and with a healthy dose of patience.
Just as important as understanding our own propensity, having awareness and acceptance of our partner’s natural tendency is probably even greater. That doesn’t mean we forfeit our own, but that we accept what is natural within each other, and then work from this perspective. I let him know up front when I’m seeking empathy and periodically ask him to share with me what he thinks I’m feeling. This will help his brain to stay more focused on my feelings. On the flip side, I need to couple my emotional expression with exploring strategies that will move me to action and help resolve and bring closure to my feelings.
Together, this is step one to better aligning our “tracks” and bridging the empathy gap.
October 29, 2009
What Irritates You?
DC Cordova, a professional acquaintance of mine, recently posted on Twitter a quote from Carl Jung: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” This is one of those beauties that bears repeating. Actually, each time you read it, its truth sinks deeper.
Why is this so true? When we experience a negative emotion, its source is not where we typically want to place it, i.e. externally. Its source is from a place deep within that says, “Something I value is being threatened, here”. In other words, all negative emotion is really just an indirect expression of a threatened value or a need within us that is being unmet.
If I am irritated at my children’s socks on the floor, it’s not because they are “slobs”. It’s because I value cleanliness, organization and cooperation. If I am bothered by my noisy neighbors, it’s not because they are “disrespectful jerks”, it’s because I need peace, serenity and respect. There is great self-understanding possible if I am willing to look inside for the source of my emotion, rather than blame my child or neighbors. Yes, the socks and the noise are triggers, but not the source. Obviously, children need to learn responsibility and accountability. It is important that neighbors be respectful. But, how I feel and respond says more about me than them.
A big trigger for me is having to wait in line, especially if the cashier, teller, or other individual I’m waiting on is on the slow side. I start to become irritated and mentally begin a judgmental iteration of the not-so-flattering traits I see in Mr. or Ms. Slowpoke. I can continue with my litany of judgmental labels, all the while feeling increasingly justified in my negativity, or I can own the reaction and connect it to what values are being threatened at that moment–efficiency, timeliness and competence.
As I look inside for the source of my emotion (not judging myself, either, for these feelings) I begin to learn what authentically makes me tick — the good, the bad, the ugly. By acknowledging this I can then either find a way to meet these needs (maybe read a book or answer emails while waiting in line) or simply let go of the blame and take responsibility for reacting. Bottom line: any irritation or offense I take is purely in me, not in that slow cashier.
It can be challenging to stop blaming or taking offense and own the irritation. Our instinct is to do just the opposite and then justify our criticism and negativity. Next time you start to feel irritated, stop and ask yourself what is being threatened in you? Look for patterns in your reactions. Don’t blame yourself, just observe. You’ll find life irritates you a little less each day.
September 9, 2009
Flexibility Creates Options
My 5 year old grandson came to stay not too long ago and shared with me his perspective (and insight) on age when he told me that I was “middle old”. Out of the mouth of babes. It is interesting to me that one so young already has a handle on this distinction. While hard to hear, I can say I am grateful for still being part of the middle old club. But, it begs the question: when will I graduate to the next level? Of course, in my mind, never. Unfortunately, the body has a different say in this matter, no matter the efforts we expend to prevent (or deny!) it.
Two months ago I injured my foot during the simple act of stepping down a stair. No twisting or tripping – just a straightforward, normal step. Spent 6 weeks in a lovely cast/boot thing and now have a new-found appreciation for arch support. Physical therapy has become part of the healing process, wherein I’ve discovered that my big toes are quite inflexible. Rather than bending back 60 to 80 degrees (which is the norm), mine are lucky if they hit 45. Is this all part of being middle old?
At any age, it seems no matter how strong or smart or “flexible” we think we are, we can always get stronger, smarter, or more flexible, but first we have to know objectively where we are. I would never have known my toes were inflexible. I have been ignorant of this fact. What does it matter? Apparently, it affects your stride and gait. So, if I can improve these things and become more physically fit, should I not work towards that end? I am now doing toe stretching and foot strengthening exercises each day. Who would have known?
Seems like in many ways we can often be unaware of our own lack of flexibility and need others to help us open up to a more objective view. What to us seems “normal” and reasonable may, in reality, be less effective and even problematic; another path might be just the one we need to take, for both our own growth and to benefit our relationships. I may think my 45 degree toes are just fine because to me that’s the norm, when in reality my body would function much more efficiently at 60-80 degrees. Will it take work for me to get them there? Yep. Consistent, daily stretching. So it goes with us. Consistent, daily efforts at developing flexibility in our thinking and in how we relate to others.
So, next time someone expresses an honest opinion or gives you feedback, maybe the best course is to take it in, look at it objectively and consider its merits. You just might find a better way. A billboard I saw the other day sums it up nicely: “Flexibility creates options.” On many levels, I might add.
