Understanding and Empathy

Lan had a close friend, Y. Growing up together, they shared their joys and sorrows. In recent years, she found Y increasingly difficult to understand. After losing her mother, Y had not changed much outwardly, but seemed to boast, particularly about the multinational company where she worked. Lan gradually stopped wanting to invite her out or enjoying their conversations. This left a considerable emptiness. Not wanting to lose such a close friend, she sought ME&WE’s help.

After one coaching session, Lan understood her friend’s behaviour: it came from insecurity Y herself might not recognise. Y felt her life had suddenly lost everything; work was the only thing she could cling to, so she felt compelled to mention it to feel equal to her friends. Lan felt enormous compassion and found a way to share and reconnect with Y. Sometimes, truly understanding why someone acts as they do removes our negative feelings, even if the behaviour continues.