10 sentences that truly caring people often say, according to psychology

One of the best ways to know if someone is truly caring is to listen to the phrases he or she often says. While it’s quite easy to identify some of the truly caring people in your personal life, it can be more difficult to determine the level of caring from our neighbors or strangers we encounter in public.

Caring for others may come naturally to some, but according to… a report from Harvard’s Making Caring Common Project, many Americans have difficulty feeling “substantial concern for people who differ from them in background and character,” as well as “showing compassion when others disappoint them or make mistakes and fail to succeed those with whom they do not agree, to be treated as fully human. “

To know if someone is truly caring, listen carefully to what they have to say on a regular basis.

Here are 10 phrases that truly caring people often say, according to psychology

1. “It’s okay to feel this way.”

Woman hugging another empathetic person. Half point | Shutterstock.com

Important and impactful research, such as a a study published in School Psychology Review about Black boys’ experiences in the classroom, argues that “safe spaces” are incredibly profound, especially early in life, in shaping our vulnerability, behavioral tendencies, and emotional intelligence in adulthood.

When we have empathetic leaders, community, peers with shared experiences, and compassion, we are affirmed in our identity and self-esteem, and are more likely to navigate adulthood with healthy coping mechanisms, supportive relationships, and a sense of impact of self-esteem. conscience.

People who let you do that. Know that it is okay to feel the way you feel, understand that without emotional support or validationwe struggle to find acceptance and can end up in harmful isolation.

2. “I understand that would be frustrating.”

Empathetic man holding a woman's hand and listening. Andrii Zastrozhnov | Shutterstock.com

The power of empathyespecially when it comes to supporting the vulnerability of others and sharing statements like these, it makes others feel valued. When we pour out our heart to someone and then hear back an aggravated or inauthentic “your feelings are valid,” it not only leaves us feeling unheard but, ironically, uncared for.

Shared experiences can be a powerful affirmation in our relationships, but only if they are shared sincerely with someone who not only actively listens to you, but is also committed to sharing your grief, acknowledging your emotions, and supporting your growth. That all starts with genuine understanding – or at least the commitment to try to understand.

3. “I’m here for you.”

Really caring woman smiling next to her partner. Photos Five | Shutterstock.com

Freeing up emotional space for other people, whether through active support and listening or through… cultivating a non-judgmental atmospherecan help create healthy connection and reduce the stress and anxiety of others. A simple phrase like, “I’m here for you” can be profound, especially when used by a truly caring person who is willing to sacrifice some of their time and energy to help others.

Of course, a delicate balance between listening and emotional validation is necessary in all shared connections—one person can’t carry the burden of support 100% of the time—but many truly empathetic people find ways to make that flow natural in their relationships.

4. “What can I do to help you?”

Couple hugging and laughing together in the kitchen. astarot | Shutterstock.com

A research review published in Current Opinion in Psychology states that emotional and social support can have a major impact not only on leveraging strong, healthy relationships and connections, but also on promoting physical health. Truly caring and empathetic people may not understand how impactful their support is, but it’s statements like these that help ease the burden of intense emotions and worries.

By sharing emotional burdens, offering support when needed, and acknowledging the struggles and pain of others, they remove the isolating nature of complex internal turmoil—and that has a profound impact.

5. “Do you want me to listen to you or share my advice?”

Woman attentively talking to her partner. Motorcycle films | Shutterstock.com

Especially in friendships and comfortable relationships, it is easy to forego genuine listening and empathy and jump straight to solution-oriented conversations. When someone shares a relationship problem or a struggle in their daily life, we immediately share advice, even if the other person isn’t looking for it.

It can come from a place of genuine concern and concern, but more often than not we cut off the space for others to share their genuine emotions without judgment, or without the inherent need for something to be changed or fixed.

This is one of the most impactful statements that truly caring people say because it gives people the autonomy of choice: are they looking for concerns, advice and solutions, or do they want to be heard?

6. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

Couple smiling and walking outdoors together. Jhon Hurtado | Shutterstock.com

We are all human, and it is human nature to seek a sense of connection with others, even if that is in the middle of an interaction or while sharing vulnerable emotions. We find peace in empathy, pride in compassion, and confidence and reassurance in understanding from truly caring people in our lives.

Research on the practice of gratitude published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that the phrases that truly caring people say, like this one, have an impact on cultivating healthy social interactions, not only because they promote positive emotions, but also because they help resolve concerns about sustainability in connections and relationships.

7. “I’m proud of you.”

Older couple smiling and hugging. NDAB creativity | Shutterstock.com

Whether these words are directed at you by a friend, a parent, or a boss, the positive emotions that come with pride are powerful and profound, often creating a cycle of empathy and caring. This cycle of social empowerment, as explained by the authors of “The Self-Conscious Emotions: Theory and Research,” is fueled by the pleasurable feelings that come with feeling pride.

Empowered people are more likely to engage in “prosocial behavior” that elicits proud emotions, such as caring or achievement – in other words, the people who use this phrase truly care for others.

Truly caring people express their pride in others because they know how powerful that is on both sides of an interaction.

8. “You don’t have to justify what you did or why.”

Serious conversation between a couple in a coffee shop. SynthEx | Shutterstock.com

A study from the book “Philosophy and Phenomenological Research” states that emotions and feelings can often only be understood in the context of the mental state you were in when you felt them. So who says you are responsible for explaining it in a completely different context or situation? If you made a decision, made a comment, or felt an emotion, you don’t have the burden of explaining it later: you felt what you felt.

That’s exactly why this is one of the most common statements that truly caring people often say. It helps others feel validated in their responses and heard in their frustrations when you accept their unique feelings.

9. “If that happened to me, I would feel the same way.”

Woman angrily sits in front of her boyfriend. Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com

Many people underestimate the power of shared experiences, community and connectioneven in seemingly minuscule ways during a conversation or passing interaction. By acknowledging someone else’s feelings and bonding over a shared experience, relatability, or emotion, the burden of intense emotions can be shared.

People bond over shared experiences that might otherwise be isolating in themselves. From discrimination to bullying to dealing with uncomfortable relationships, these experiences can leave you feeling different or disconnected if not acknowledged by someone who truly cares.

10. “I see it’s right there on the surface.”

Woman looking emotional and angry. Cast of thousands | Shutterstock.com

This sentence especially has an impact on people who have difficulty opening up or expressing truly vulnerable feelings. It can give people the opportunity to comfortably and openly share their hidden emotions without the threat of judgment.

A truly caring person might use this phrase when someone is on the verge of tears or struggling to put into words what he or she is feeling. It’s simply an acknowledgment that he or she is safe, supported, and loved enough to express their pain, frustration, or anger. in any way. It’s the power of sharing in solidarity, like research published in Gender, Work, & Organization explains, which makes people feel empowered to express their most vulnerable emotions and experiences.

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment writer at YourTango, focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories