Having empathy isn’t just about understanding the feelings and perspectives of others, it’s about genuinely connecting with them.

When we talk about deeply empathetic people, we’re talking about those rare individuals who have a knack for truly ‘feeling with’ others, not just ‘feeling for’ them.

Their behavior sets them apart and makes them a magnet for those seeking understanding and compassion.

Let me share with you eight behaviors that make these deeply empathetic people stand out from the crowd. Trust me, these traits are eye-opening!

1) Active listening

In a world where most people are waiting for their turn to speak, deeply empathetic individuals tend to stand out by actively listening.

Active listening isn’t just about hearing the words someone is saying. It’s about paying complete attention to the speaker, understanding their message, responding appropriately, and remembering what is said.

This ability to truly ‘hear’ and understand others makes deeply empathetic people exceptional. They don’t just listen with their ears but also with their heart.

Their focus isn’t on how they’ll respond or what they’ll say next. Instead, they’re fully present in the conversation, picking up on the speaker’s emotions and nonverbal cues.

This trait doesn’t just make them good listeners. It makes them stand out as people who genuinely care. And that’s a trait that is both rare and admirable.

2) Emotional resonance

It’s one thing to understand someone’s feelings, but deeply empathetic people take it a step further. They actually feel the emotions of others. It’s like they have an emotional mirror reflecting the feelings of those around them.

I remember once when a close friend shared with me the heartbreaking news of her divorce. She was devastated, and as she poured out her heart, I found myself feeling her pain, her disappointment, and her fear for the future.

It was as if her emotions had seeped into my own heart. I felt a deep sorrow that was not my own but hers. It was an intense experience that brought us closer and allowed me to provide the emotional support she needed.

This ability to resonate emotionally isn’t just about shared sadness. It extends to joy, excitement, fear – every human emotion. And it’s this depth of emotional connection that makes deeply empathetic people truly stand out.

3) Non-judgmental acceptance

Deeply empathetic people have a remarkable ability to accept others without judgment. They understand that everyone has their own journey and their own battles.

Did you know that according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, non-judgmental acceptance can actually foster closer, more meaningful relationships? It’s true.

Deeply empathetic people don’t just tolerate differences, they embrace them. They see beyond the surface and appreciate the unique essence of each individual. This unconditional acceptance creates a safe space for openness and authenticity, which is one of the reasons why empathetic people truly stand out.

4) Genuine care and concern

Deeply empathetic people do not just understand or feel the emotions of others, but they also show genuine care and concern. They go beyond empathy to compassion, which moves them to act and provide support.

They’re the ones who will call to check up on you, offer to help when you’re overwhelmed, or simply be there to provide a listening ear when you need it.

Their care isn’t superficial or obligatory, it’s deeply rooted in their understanding of your feelings and needs. This genuine concern for others is a standout trait of deeply empathetic people, making them invaluable friends and companions.

5) They share in your joys and sorrows

One of the most beautiful aspects of deeply empathetic people is their ability to share in your joys and sorrows.

When you’re overjoyed, they bask in your happiness, their eyes lighting up with shared delight. When you’re down, they feel the weight of your sorrow, their hearts heavy with shared pain.

This trait makes them exceptional companions through life’s ups and downs. They don’t just stand by your side, they walk with you, sharing in every high and low. Their presence is a comforting constant, making them truly stand out in a world where genuine emotional connection can sometimes feel scarce.

6) They see the world through your eyes

Deeply empathetic people have a unique ability to step into your shoes and see the world from your perspective. They can set aside their own views and experiences to understand your reality.

I remember a time when I was struggling with a major decision. I felt torn, unable to decide which path to take. A deeply empathetic friend of mine sat with me, listened attentively, and then asked probing questions that helped me unravel my tangled thoughts.

Instead of imposing her own views or solutions, she saw the world through my eyes. She understood my dilemma from my point of view. And in doing so, she helped me find my own answers.

This ability to truly ‘get’ someone else’s perspective is a standout trait of deeply empathetic people. It’s like they step into your world while inviting you into theirs, creating a bridge of shared understanding.

7) They radiate positivity

Deeply empathetic people have a knack for radiating positivity. Even in the face of adversity, they manage to find the silver lining. They aren’t just blindly optimistic; they understand the struggle but choose to focus on potential growth and positive outcomes.

Their positivity is contagious and uplifting. It’s not about denying difficulties but about fostering hope and resilience.

Their ability to spread light even in the darkest times is a standout trait that makes them a beacon of comfort and encouragement for those around them.

8) They value connection over correction

Deeply empathetic people understand the value of human connection over being right or correcting others. They prioritize preserving relationships and fostering understanding over winning arguments.

They’re less interested in proving a point and more interested in creating a safe space for open dialogue and mutual respect. This trait, perhaps more than any other, is what truly sets deeply empathetic people apart.

Reflection: Empathy – a human superpower

At the heart of all these behaviors is the profound human capacity for empathy. It’s no small thing; in fact, it’s more like a superpower that has the potential to transform our relationships and our world.

Scientifically speaking, empathy is linked to the mirror neurons in our brains. These neurons allow us to feel another person’s joy, pain, fear, or excitement as if it were our own.

But beyond science, empathy is what connects us at a deeper level. It cultivates understanding, fosters compassion, and ultimately, makes us more human.

In a world where individualism often takes precedence, deeply empathetic individuals stand out as beacons of connection. They remind us that underneath our differences and beyond our separate lives, we are interconnected beings.

So next time you encounter a deeply empathetic person or find these traits within yourself, cherish them. Because empathy isn’t just a trait; it’s a bridge to understanding and a gateway to a more compassionate world.