What Mel Robbins has said about Empathy

Robbins argues that empathy is not weakness but one of the most influential skills a person can have.

“Empathy is not for people who are weak. Empathy is one of the most influential skills on the planet”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: This One Skill Makes Every Relationship Better (Oct 17, 2026) · Listen from 2:14

Robbins reports University of Toronto research finding people get at least nine chances daily to practice empathy.

“they found that on average, you've got at least nine chances every day to practice the skill of empathy”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: This One Skill Makes Every Relationship Better (Oct 17, 2026) · Listen from 7:19

Robbins argues empathy means asking questions rather than imagining or guessing how someone feels.

“Empathy is not stepping in someone else's shoes. Empathy is not mind reading. Empathy is pausing long enough to ask the question”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: This One Skill Makes Every Relationship Better (Oct 17, 2026) · Listen from 9:03

Robbins says empathy also matters in joyful moments, not only painful ones.

“people don't only want company and support in their pain. They want company in their joy”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: This One Skill Makes Every Relationship Better (Oct 17, 2026) · Listen from 12:31