The Peer Collective
Relating to
Others
“Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.”
– Sterling K. Brown
Communication & Empathy
Your communication style is important to think about when you are building and keeping social supports.
Other people’s communication styles may differ from yours. Their experiences, goals, and views of the world may be different as well.
Building relationships is about allowing others the space to be themselves without expecting them to have your same values and point of view. It’s also about expecting them to allow you space to be yourself.
Content Area:
Boundaries
A boundary marks the limits of an area, like the lines on a football field or tennis court. When you stay within the boundary, it’s considered fair play. Once you step outside of the boundary, the game stops.
Personal boundaries are similar, except you need to set your own limits. Remember, others may have different boundaries and limits than your own.
Some boundaries are firmly set, while others may be flexible depending on the situation or person.