Empathy is often described as ‘Walking in someone else’s shoes’… a metaphor, that whilst well-intentioned, falls short. Walking implies a distance, a temporary occupation of another’s life. Buttrue empathy is not a borrowed experience, but a shared space and a bridge built with unwaveringattention and genuine presence. It is not about standing in another’s shoes, but beside them. It isnot about understanding someone’s pain but acknowledging that we hear that pain and are doingour best to understand it.