Interpretations, criticisms, diagnoses, and judgments of others are actually alienated expressions of our unmet needs.

Empathize with silence by listening for the feelings and needs behind it.

We are responsible for what we hear other people say and for how we act.

Instead of playing the game "Making Life Wonderful", we often play the game called "Who's Right". Do you know that game? It's a game where everybody loses.

Self-empathy in NVC means checking in with your own feelings and needs.

We want to take action out of the desire to contribute to life rather than out of fear, guilt, shame, or obligation.

We use NVC to evaluate ourselves in ways that engender growth rather than self-hatred.