Compassion Improves Trust
“People put faith in those who care beyond themselves,” says David Horsager. “And feeling cared for increases trust.”
Compassion can be defined as “concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others” or “a kind friendly presence in the face of what’s difficult”. Compassion is having patience and giving support to others who are experiencing tough circumstances or situations.
How considerate and understanding are we when those around us aren’t perfect? When they hurt or disappoint us? When they experience a setback or difficulty in their life? We appreciate when others don’t add to our troubles when we are already down. How much grace do we show others when the tables are turned?
Compassion enables us to understand ourselves better and others better, and the more we understand others the more we will want to relieve their suffering. Here are a few ways we can develop the ability to see things from someone else's perspective and offer them support.
- Ask them open-ended questions to understand their challenges and how they are feeling? It can be as simple as, “You seem down today. How can I help you?”
- Practice active listening. This includes listening to what they are telling you without interrupting, making eye contact, asking questions to increase your understanding, and repeating back to them what you think you heard to check if you are hearing their message.
- Offer to help them, even in a small way. Take them a meal, drive them to an appointment, clean their house, or give their child a ride to soccer practice.
We appreciate others who don’t make our difficult circumstances more difficult. When others’ help us handle the trials of life, it builds our trust in them. What do we to show compassion to others, to help reduce or overcome their difficult circumstances? Practicing compassion is an important factor in being a person worthy of trust.
