See It Through Their Eyes: Why Empathy Matters

Ever had a moment where someone just got how you were feeling—without you having to explain it 10 different ways? That’s empathy in action. And when it’s real, it can completely change how we connect with people.

Empathy isn’t about being overly emotional or trying to fix everyone’s problems. It’s about understanding how someone else feels—even if you’re not going through the same thing. And in a world full of quick comments, hot takes, and endless scrolling, empathy is what brings people closer, makes friendships stronger, and helps you be someone others trust and respect.

Let’s explore why empathy matters so much, especially as a teen, and how you can use it to make your relationships better—and your world a little kinder.

What Is Empathy, Really?

At its core, empathy means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes—not just hearing what they say, but feeling what they feel.

There are three main types:

• Emotional empathy: You feel what someone else is feeling.

• Cognitive empathy: You understand someone’s thoughts or perspective.

• Compassionate empathy: You want to help after connecting with what they’re going through.

It’s different from sympathy, which is more like: “I feel bad for you.” Empathy is: “I feel this with you.”

Why Empathy Matters

1. It Builds Real Friendships

When your friend is going through something and you respond with “That sucks, I totally get why you’re upset,” that’s empathy. It tells them they’re not alone. And that kind of support? That’s the stuff strong friendships are made of.

2. It Lowers Drama and Boosts Understanding

Let’s be real—high school (and even middle school) can be full of drama. But when you take a second to understand where someone’s coming from—even if you don’t agree—you’re way less likely to jump to conclusions or start unnecessary fights.

3. It Makes You a Better Communicator

Whether it’s in texts, DMs, or face-to-face convos, empathy helps you respond instead of react. You listen more, talk with more care, and connect deeper.

4. It Builds Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Empathy is a major part of emotional intelligence—a skill that helps you navigate life, relationships, and even your future job. It’s basically a superpower that helps you handle emotions (yours and others’) like a boss.

How To Practice Empathy

Being empathetic doesn’t mean you have to cry with someone or agree with everything they say. It’s more about being present and trying to understand. Here’s how to make it work in everyday life:

Actually Listen

Put down the phone. Make eye contact. Don’t plan your next sentence while they’re talking. Just listen.

Ask, Don’t Assume

Instead of guessing how someone feels, ask. Try: “How are you really feeling about that?” or “Do you want to talk about it?”

Validate Their Feelings

Say things like:

• “That sounds really hard.”

• “I can see why you’d feel that way.”

• “Yeah, I’d be frustrated too.”

Validation makes people feel heard—like they matter.

Be Curious, Not Judgy

If someone’s acting in a way that doesn’t make sense to you, pause and ask yourself: “What might be going on behind the scenes?” Everyone has a backstory.

Check In with Yourself

Empathy also means being kind to yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re not draining your own mental energy trying to save everyone else.

Final Thought

Empathy is more than being “nice”—it’s being real with people. It’s choosing to see others instead of judging them. It’s taking the time to understand, instead of brushing past someone’s emotions. And it’s something we all need more of—especially in a world that moves fast and often skips the heart stuff.

So, the next time a friend’s being quiet, someone’s acting out, or even when you feel misunderstood, take a breath. Slow down. Ask yourself: What might this look like through their eyes?

That simple shift can change everything.