Ahmed Nadar

May 13, 2024

The power of listening with your heart

show_empathy.jpeg


People want to vent.
No solution.
No advice.
Just talk.

I'm sure you've encountered a situation where someone just started to share what was going on in their life, but in a negative way, right?

What did you do then?

If you’re anything like me, your natural inclination is to solve their problem. This has been my approach for a while. I never really understood that it's not always the best action until I was in their shoes.

Talking and listening to people taught me that they don’t ask for help unless they want it. They want an open ear. A listening heart. A person to trust. They need honesty.

What should you do now?

Next time someone comes to you with a rant, a complaint, or a negative situation they encountered in their life, remember they are in pain. Listen with your heart. Try saying this instead: "I understand."

Say it once. 
Say it a few times. 
Say it as many times as they need to feel comfortable.

They don't need your solutions.
Show understanding.  
Show care.  
Show empathy.

I will leave with this…

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
- Ernest Hemingway


- Ahmed Nadar

About Ahmed Nadar

Ruby on Rails enthusiast at heart. I run RapidRails agency focus on Rails development & UI stack. Maker of RapidRails UI component for Ruby on Rails.
Find me on Twitter – @ahmednadar