Empathy lies in our ability to be present without opinion.

People have been trained to criticize, insult, and otherwise communicate in ways that create distance among people.

What bores the listener bores the speaker too.

When we hear the other person's feelings and needs, we recognize our common humanity.

Empathize, rather than put your "but" in the face of an angry person.

You can't make your kids do anything. All you can do is make them wish they had. And then, they will make you wish you hadn't made them wish they had.

Make your goal to attend to your underlying needs and to aim for a resolution so satisfying that everyone involved has their needs met also.