Kindness and Empathy teen discussion for Respect Day [Notes]

This forum post is based on the teen member discussion that was held on September 18th, 2015 hosted by @Ace13 on the topic: Kindness and Empathy.

These notes were made using a transcript as of the whole discussion, as I couldn't be present for the discussion. I have reviewed the entire transcript, though, and have made an outline on what was discussed to share with everyone!

What does empathy mean to you?

That you care for what people say

Being able to see things through other persons eyes… being kind and understanding. When people listen to you and they really care

Empathy means is understanding /relating to what others feels or experience

How is empathy linked to kindness and/or respect?

Feeling empathy for someone may cause you to be even kinder than normal. I think you cannot have kindness/respect if you do not have empathy

I think it is a form of respect to try to understand and accept how the other persons decisions are… It's important to be respectful to be empathetic

Kindness and respect doesn't mean your emphatic but empathy typically leads to genuine kindness and respect

Have you had someone kind/empathetic to you before? How did it make you feel?

I have, it made me feel like he actually cared and understood me.

It felt amazing , they made me feel loved

Yes, it made me feel like a different person, it made me feel more like a person , it's just a great feeling

Is there a particular moment in your life when someone was kind/empathetic to you, which made a significant impact? Would you like to share it?

There was this girl i confessed to, she did turned me down but she was very friendly to me after that and it made me feel better...guess she knew how bad my.situation was....

There was this one time which I was at my worst, I had this huge breakdown and I could have made bad decisions that would have affected me badly, but a friend was there for me and made me realize many things I didn't realize before

Is it possible to be empathetic to someone but not respecting them? (vice versa) Why or why not?

Of course. In fact, in an argument it can be helpful to be emphatic, so its easier to beat your opponent.

Yes, it is possible. Many empaths actually try to 'empathize' with people when they really can't. Sometimes, a 'I understand how you feel' just isn't appropriate.

I think it's possible, you can respect someone without being empathic to them but idk if you can be emphatic to someone but not respecting to them ?

For example, when I'm talking about my BPD, I hate when people without BPD say 'same' or 'I feel you' because it makes me feel like my identity is being taken away. I feel that there's a right and wrong time to empathize.

What are some ways we can show respect to another person, such as a friend or relative, while being empathetic?

Try to understand them and think I'm their point of view

We can listen to them and tell them we will always be here for them. Showing interest in listening and not showing boredom etc.

Why can it be harder/easier for you to show empathy and respect online?

Summarize: It's a lot harder because you can't tell tone and theres no facial expressions to show if you're being genuine or not. You cant see the reaction of your partner towards a specific theme. Online, you are typing, so people don't know if you really care or if you are just trying to make them feel better. But it also is easier because i hide most of my emotions in reality.

Key point: No hugs!

How do you demonstrate respect as a member in chats?

Listen and validate. Always being polite and friendly.

If the action is wrong, then advise them to follow a different path

Be concise, kind, and friendly to all listeners, mods and members, and follow the chat rules

Do empathy and respect mean that you agree with what the other person is doing? Why or why not?

Not really agree, rather understanding WHY someone is doing that....

And respect is agreeing to disagree I suppose. Respecting their views

Like someone who is religious doesn't agree with the LBGTQ+ but still the respect them, because they think that they're humans too, you don't have to be agreeing to be accepting

How important do you think respect and empathy are, on 7 cups and in real life?

Very important. Plain and simple

Here, on 7cups is is indeed important because people are coming here to search help. So we need to treat them very good

It's important in both if them, because we want to spread positivity and understanding, we want to make the community a better place, we want to BE THE CHANGE

Well you are communicating with humans so you should treat them online and in reality equally

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Participant list: @BLTmaster @PeacefulStorm @fanspiration @Raylen @lovingBalsam7411 @YourAmericanPepehh @ForeverInLoveWithCeleste @cutetransprince @queenyola @Delightfulstarglow146 @fearlessFriend8362 @pandabear22

Awesome discussion! Thank you a lot to everybody who joined and participated!

(If this was the first discussion that you attended, please take the time to nominate yourself for the Aristotle badge by going to your My Impact page (under Me) and then pressing 'Apply for special badges' below your list of badges)

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