Procedures:

1. It is easy to empathize with people we like and agree with, but the real test of the ability to empathize is with someone we don't like or disagree with.
2. Think of a real interpersonal conflict that they are having or have had. You won't be asked to share the conflict unless they want to, but it must be real.
3. Answer the following prompts regarding your personal conflict:
   • I am right about ___________________________
   • You are wrong about __________________________
   • You are right about __________________________
   • I am wrong about _________________________
   • I'm glad we are having this conflict because _______________
   • I'm upset we are having this conflict because ____________________
   • In one year this conflict ____________________________
     • You might think there is nothing the other person is right about. Remember this is a forced empathy exercise. At a minimum, someone is right about their unique perspective or how they felt during the interaction.
4. Once you are done with the seven prompts and every blank has been filled in, write how you feel about the conflict now versus how you felt about the conflict before you did the seven prompts. It doesn't matter how small (or how big) the change is the slightest difference in the conflict should be documented.