NVC is a reminder; to focus our attention where we are most likely to get our needs met.

If we want to be compassionate we must be conscious of the words we use. We must both speak and listen from the heart.

The cause of anger lies in our thinking - in thoughts of blame and judgment.

Time and again, people transcend the paralyzing effects of psychological pain when they have sufficient contact with someone who can hear them empathically.

This language is from the head. It is a way of mentally classifying people into varying shades of good and bad, right and wrong. Ultimately, it provokes defensiveness, resistance, and counterattack. It is a language of demands.

In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.

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