Listen without interrupting
Pay full attention to the other person
Put away distractions
Ask open-ended questions
Reflect back what you heard
Acknowledge their feelings
Avoid judging or correcting too quickly
Try to see the situation from their perspective
Notice nonverbal cues
Be patient with emotional responses
Validate their experience
Hold back advice unless it is wanted
Practice curiosity about others’ lives
Be aware of your own biases
Respond with kindness and respect
Check your assumptions
Use supportive language
Remember that feelings do not need to be fixed immediately
Learn about different backgrounds and experiences
Show up consistently for others
Apologize when you misunderstand
Give people space to express themselves
Practice self-awareness
Read fiction or stories that build perspective
Volunteer or help others regularly