Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing.

NVC is interested in learning that is motivated by reverence for life, by a desire to learn skills, to contribute better to our own well-being and the well-being of others.

The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.

Every message, regardless of form or content, is an expression of a need.

If we ask two questions, we will see that punishment never works. First: What do we want the other person to do? Second: What do we want the other person's reasons to be for doing as we request?

A second even more obvious sign is that the person will stop talking. If we are uncertain as to whether we have stayed long enough in the process, we can always ask, "Is there more that you wanted to say"?

Don't get addicted to your requests. Your objective is needs, not requests. Because then it becomes a demand.