Has a doctor or vet ever given you a diagnosis without properly explaining what it means? Or maybe they gave bad news and did explain it – in an overly matter-of-fact way leaving you distressed and wondering where their emotions are?

Or maybe a lawyer seemed to lack humanity when helping you on an important matter, or was overly casual discussing the planning of events upon your death?

These situations effect us and we remember them. Even if you are not in such an authoritative position with others, your words too can matter. Your interactions matter. Reaching out matters.

Empathy is difficult and doesn’t seem to come naturally to all of us. I was recently reminded that I failed to look from the opposite perspective before I spoke. A good reminder to look from different angles in our interactions with others.