How your emotions and needs influence the way you communicate.

Emotional Self-Awareness as a Prerequisite for Empathy

Our ability to communicate empathetically with others is directly linked to the relationship we have with our own inner world.

Often, when we experience difficulty connecting with another person's feelings or putting ourselves in their shoes, the root of the problem is not in the other person, but in ourselves.

If we do not know what we are feeling and are unable to identify our own emotions, it will be virtually impossible for us to understand the emotional experience of the person in front of us.

In order to improve empathy towards others, the previous and indispensable step is, therefore, to become aware of what we feel, of our own emotions and feelings.

Communication, in this sense, acts as a mirror: what we reject, judge or do not accept in the other person is most likely a reflection of something we do not accept within ourselves.

Clarity about your own Needs for Effective Expression

Just as with emotions, awareness of our own needs is fundamental to clear and effective communication. It is crucial that you ask yourself: "Do I know what my needs are?".

When we are unclear about what we need, we fall into the trap of expecting others to guess and, moreover, take it upon themselves to meet those unspoken needs, which is a sure recipe for frustration and misunderstanding.

Conversely, when you are clear about what your needs are, you find it much easier to express what you want in an effective, clear and positive way.

This inner clarity gives you the confidence to communicate your desires and set boundaries assertively, taking responsibility for your own well-being.

The Two-Way Communication: Understanding the Other through Self.

Self-knowledge is not a purely introspective exercise; it is the foundation on which healthy two-way communication is built.

Just as it is vital to know your own needs, it is also very important to be aware of the other person's needs, since ignoring them will inevitably generate difficulties in communication.

And this is where the circle closes: by learning to identify and validate your own emotions and needs, you become much more adept at recognizing and respecting those of others.

Empathy, therefore, is not just a technique that is applied outwardly, but a capac