We have many emotions-joy, sadness, anger, expectation, fear, gratitude, etc. We want to express these emotions in any way, and we feel stable and happy when our emotions are respected by others.
Expressing our emotions in a healthy way, and understanding and accepting each other’s feelings are the basics of conversation. Even if you disagree, you can have a pleasant conversation if you understand the other person’s feelings first.
How much do you listen to and care about your family’s emotions? Respect their diverse emotions and actively empathize with them this month because their emotions are as precious as your family.
- Tip
- Read your family’s emotions.
(“You look happy, today,” “Aren’t you tired from work?”) - Listen carefully and understand their feelings.
(“Oh, I see,” “I too would have been upset.”) - Ask why she/he feels that way.
(“There must be something that upsets you. Can you tell me what?”) - Do not ignore his/her feelings or judge.
(Don’t say, “Are you mad over nothing?” “That’s a foolish idea.”) - Do not push for emotion change but wait.
(Don’t say, “Calm down, please!” “Stop crying.”) - For young children, accept their emotions and inform them of right behaviors.
(“You must’ve been upset a lot. But it is wrong to hit your friend.”) - Be careful not to explode your negative feelings to your family without filtering them.
- Express positive emotions to your family often.
(“I’m happy to eat together like this,” “I feel good when you laugh.”)