Empathetic Ear Gifts

'I don't know what it is about you, Dave. But, you're such a good listener.'

'What a tactless, insensitive thing to say!'

Don't tell me you're ok! You're not ok! I can smell the hurt inside you! Don't walk away! Talk to me! Beware of Emotional Support Dog.

Working in a library is not just about books...

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

Kiosk in large lobby with sign above it labeled 'Empathy'.

"Are you OK hun?"

Prejudice/Empathy

Protect Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

'Why don't you try seeing it from your point of view?'

"Remember, the road to recovery begins with baby steps."

"Now that I've swung back to depression, I'm truly sorry for what I did when I was manic."

"I feel your pain level."

"I learned one thing today. Attitude trumps aptitude!"

Tangled Earphones Support Group.

"I know. I miss him, too."

Spoiler alert: most of my presentation is actually a series of trigger warnings.

'Adam seems depressed - He needs camaraderie or something.'

Refugee Crisis

"I'm not asking for a raise. All I'm asking for is a little warmth and human understanding."

'Do you want to reschedule? Normally he has a magnetic personality, but today he seems to have reversed polarity.'

Cares and woes.

Please Give

"I pick up on people's pain, Alexander. What's wrong?"

"Don't judge me until you've walked a mile on my medication."

"I've got the bowl, the bone, the big yard. I know I should be happy."

'There you go again - trying to solve my problems. I am not asking you to do that. I just want you to listen to me.'

"We must do something about these refugees..."

"If you think this is bad, you should see what they do to themselves"

'This training session is all about challenging assumptions. For example you see someone looking depressed, dishevelled, unkempt it's easy to jump to conclusions. But they may not be a social worker, they may be a client!'

"Your free-floating anxiety is floating over to me."

"You're always so depressed, Tom."

"I'm sure your students understand it was your first day, Tom... besides, seeing a man cry doesn't have the stigma it once did!"

"My sensitivity trainer says I have to say 'good morning.'"

'Don't take it the wrong way, we could always be friends'