14 Jan What Would U Do: Empathy
Question 1 of 3
You are waiting at the bus stop and notice that Kevin, the really quiet kid who always keeps to himself, is crying while searching for something in his bag. You would:
You may be right - since he is by himself a lot, maybe he prefers to be alone. But, maybe, he could really use some help. How do you know? Have you ever reached out to him? Could now be the right time?
Such a scary thought, right? In today's world we hear these horrible stories a lot. Being safe is important, but so is being human. If Kevin feels particularly lonely, will moving away make him feel more or less lonely? If no one pays attention to him, how will ignoring his distress make him feel? What will be your weapon against fear and disconnection?
That's a step in the right direction;)
That's a really empathic thing to do. If he barks a reply at you, don't despair. You can't control how he is going to respond, you can only control what you do and in this case, reaching out to him is a kind thing to do.
Wow. Who taught you that skill? Do you like it when it happens to you?
Question 2 of 3
You have just had the worst day - you failed your history test, forgot your science homework, you got benched during your soccer game and your mom texted you that Short Stop, your goldfish, just got flushed down the toilet. But now Janelle, your good friend, comes running up to you and screams, “I just got asked out by Marvin and I made the cheerleading squad!!!!” You would:
You have every right to tell her about your awful day - she is your good friend, and good friends share things. But put yourself in Janelle's shoes: if you were her would you want a few moments in your glory before heading into Gloomsville?
It's hard when you are feeling down to get all excited about someone else's happiness. We get it. Don't get down on yourself if you chose this answer. You are doing the best you can to allow her happiness and to manage your tough day.
It's hard when you are feeling down to get all excited about someone else's happiness. We get it. Now think about what effect your telling Janelle to go away in her happiness will have on her and your friendship. Is that what you want to happen? If not, can you think of another way to handle the situation?
That's super empathic. Hopefully, maybe her good fortune cheered you up a bit! At least you can cheer up knowing you are a good friend.
Question 3 of 3
Your principal has just been written up in the local paper for allowing your school to go over-budget even though you know from the budget committee your parents are on, your principal worked really hard to do his best. But still, town members are calling for his resignation. You see how hard your principal works day to day in the school: he’s always out side greeting students with a “Yo, what’s up?” as they arrive, attends sports games and even participates in the “wear your worst sweater” competition. When you see him in the hall looking sad, you would:
He seems like a guy that likes his students (even though he may have made some bad financial decisions). Will avoiding him make him feel better or worse? What do you want him to feel?
You have every right to express disappointment in his money managing skills. After all, the well-being of your school depends partially on being financially balanced. But it also depends on the commitment and care of your leaders which he has demonstrated every day. If you were him, what would you be feeling?
That's an empathic thing to do. he may not be a great money manager but he seems like a good people person. Using his words may help to connect with him and remind him that, despite his downfalls, you still care about him.
That's a really empathic thing to do. Principals have many jobs to do and managing the school budget is one of them, but so is being available to the students which he has been. Your words of support may help him to get through the day and focus on solutions.
Since your parents have been part of the budget meetings, this is a reasonable choice. But don't forget to tap into your own empathy and ask yourself how you would feel in his place and what you would want your students to do.
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