NVC suggests behind every action, however ineffective, tragic, violent, or abhorrent to us, is an attempt to meet a need.

Empathy: Emptying our mind and listening with our whole being

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

When you are in a jackal environment, never give them the power to submit or rebel. We want to teach this to children very early: Never lose track that you are always free to choose. Don't allow institutions to determine what you do.

The more we empathize with the other party, the safer we feel.

We know the speaker has received adequate empathy when a. we sense a release of tension, or b. the flow of words comes to a halt.

Often, instead of offering empathy, we have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling.