Do you often find yourself really ‘getting’ other people’s feelings? Are you the one your friends spill their guts to when they’re upset?

If that’s a big ‘yes,’ you might just be what we call an empathetic communicator. This means you’re great at understanding and sharing the feelings of others. 

In this article, we’re going to uncover 10 phrases that empathetic communicators like you often use.

If these phrases pop up in your chats a lot, it’s a good sign you’re very empathetic in your communication.

1. “You’re not alone”

This simple phrase speaks volumes in terms of empathy.

It’s a way to let the person you’re talking to know that they are not isolated in their experiences. When someone feels understood and validated, it can make all the difference in their world. It reassures them that someone else gets it, and they are not battling their problems alone.

So, if “You’re not alone” is a phrase you use regularly, it’s clear you’re an empathetic communicator!

2. “I’m here for you”

When someone is struggling, these four simple words can mean the world. By saying “I’m here for you”, you’re offering your support and presence, even if you can’t solve their problem.

This phrase is an invitation, showing the other person that they can lean on you and that they don’t have to face their difficulties alone.

If this phrase is a regular part of your vocabulary, it’s another strong sign of your empathetic communication style.

3. “I understand how you feel”

This is a phrase I find myself using a lot in my own interactions.

Once, a friend was going through a tough break-up and was feeling quite low. I remember sitting down with her, looking her in the eye, and saying, “I understand how you feel”.

It wasn’t just empty words – I had been through a similar situation and knew exactly what she was going through.

By saying “I understand how you feel”, I was validating her emotions and letting her know that it was okay to feel the way she did.

4. “How can I support you?”

This phrase is all about taking action. It shows that you’re not just there to listen, but also to provide support in any way possible.

In fact, according to a studies, people who offer support to others can actually benefit themselves. Research shows that being helpful to others boosts our own mood and well-being.

If this phrase is frequent part of your conversations, it not only shows your empathetic communication style but also hints at your own positive well-being.

5. “I can see this is really hard for you”

This phrase is a powerful way of showing empathy. It’s about acknowledging someone’s pain without trying to fix it.

It might sound simple, but it can be incredibly impactful.

By saying “I can see this is really hard for you,” you’re recognizing their struggle and giving them space to express their feelings.

Trust me, it can be comforting to hear someone acknowledge your hardship when you’re going through a tough time. It shows that you’re not alone in your pain, that someone sees and understands what you’re going through.

6. “Take all the time you need”

I recall using this phrase when a colleague was struggling with a personal issue and couldn’t meet a deadline.

I could see the stress weighing heavily on her. So, I told her, “Take all the time you need”. I wanted her to know that it was okay to take a step back and that her well-being was more important than any deadline.

We often forget to give ourselves and others permission to slow down. But by saying “Take all the time you need”, we’re showing understanding and patience.

If you’re frequently saying this to others, it shows your empathy and understanding in your communication.

7. “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here”

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes, life throws stuff at us and we’re left speechless. We don’t have the answers. We don’t even know how to comfort someone who is hurting.

And that’s okay.

Here’s where this phrase comes in. By saying “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here”, you’re admitting that you don’t have all the answers.

But you’re also saying that you’re there, standing beside them, ready to face whatever comes next together.

This isn’t about having all the solutions. It’s about being present and available. 

8. “It’s okay to feel this way”

This phrase is about validating someone’s feelings, letting them know it’s perfectly alright to feel the way they do.

By saying “It’s okay to feel this way”, you’re helping the other person accept their emotions without judgment.

So, if this phrase is a common part of your lexicon, it’s another strong sign of your empathetic communication style and it could also be contributing positively to the mental well-being of those around you.

9. “I’m really sorry you’re going through this”

I remember when my best friend lost his job unexpectedly. He felt lost and unsure of what to do next. I found myself saying, “I’m really sorry you’re going through this”.

I wanted him to know that I recognized his pain and that I wished things were different for him.

This phrase is about expressing genuine sorrow for someone else’s difficult situation. It’s about acknowledging their pain and letting them know that their feelings are valid. 

10 “Thank you for opening up to me”

It takes courage to open up and share personal struggles or pain.

When you say, “Thank you for opening up to me”, you’re showing appreciation for their trust in you. You’re acknowledging the strength it took for them to share.

This isn’t just about being polite; it’s about showing respect for their vulnerability. If you regularly express this form of gratitude, it truly reflects your empathetic communication style.

11. “I’m always here if you need to talk”

Sometimes, all a person needs is a listening ear. When you tell someone, “I’m always here if you need to talk”, you’re offering that listening ear. You’re letting them know that they can come to you, no matter what they’re going through and whenever they need it.

This phrase is an open invitation—a promise of availability.

If this is a phrase you often use, it shows that not only do you communicate with empathy, but you’re also ready and willing to provide emotional support whenever it’s needed.