Anger is a signal that you're distracted by judgmental or punitive thinking, and that some precious need of yours is being ignored.

Our ability to offer empathy can allow us to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help us hear the word 'no' without taking it as a rejection, revive lifeless conversation, and even hear the feelings and needs expressed through silence.

If the other persons behavior is not in harmony with my own needs, the more I empathize with them and their needs, the more likely I am to get me own needs met.

Nonviolent Communication shows us a way of being very honest, but without any criticism, without any insults, without any put-downs, without any intellectual diagnosis implying wrongness.

Judgments of others contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies.

Avoid 'shoulding' on others and yourself!

Staying with empathy we allow speakers to touch deeper levels of themselves.