For years, Becky thought empathy meant saying, "I've been there too." It turns out that can leave people feeling less seen, not more.

In this solo episode, Becky shares what she's learned in four years of trying to communicate better. It started with a misunderstanding around her daughter's wedding and led to a surprising moment with her teenage son. Drawing on Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, and her coach training with Jody Moore, she walks through five strategies to keep hard conversations from turning into catastrophes.

IN THIS EPISODE

- Why relating to someone's experience isn't the same as empathy

- How a pause can be a gift for both of you

- Three ways to practice empathy: on strangers, on yourself, and in real conversations

- The "It seems like…" mirror that helps people feel seen

- Owning your mistakes without defending yourself or sliding into shame

- Why asking for what you need isn't selfish, plus a simple sentence to do it

THE 5 STRATEGIES

1. Pause

2. Practice empathy

3. Be a mirror

4. Own your mistakes

5. Communicate your needs and requests

TRY THIS WEEK

In your next tense moment, skip "I think you're…" and try one "It sounds like…" Then stop and listen.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Why conversations are hard

00:30 Free Coaching

01:00 What is Empathy?

02:01 The Wedding Disaster That Started it All

03:16 Strategy 1: Pause

05:27 Strategy 2: Practice Empathy

09:05 Strategy 3: Be a Mirror

10:56 Strategy 4: Own Your Mistakes

12:39 Strategy 5: Communicate your Needs and Requests

16:07 Closing

FREE DOWNLOAD:

Sendy Mom Feelings Guide: [add link]

FIND RESOURCES HERE:

Empathy Isn't What I Thought It Was: 5 Strategies for Hard Conversations

FURTHER LISTENING:

Hard Conversations, Healthy Boundaries, and Mediation

Overwhelmed Mom? How 30 Minutes in Nature Can Change Your Spiritual Life

WORK WITH BECKY:

Book a free coaching session: https://sendymom.com/freecoaching/

CONNECT:

Website: https://sendymom.com

Instagram: @beckyb.coach

What does being sendy mean to you? Tell Becky in the comments or send her a message on Instagram.