Rachel Simmons Quotes

I have a motherly instinct and I'm always trying to give therapy.

But most people don't come up to me and express a lot of emotion.

My husband has a gift for reaching out to people in need. I always look over and see him connecting to someone who needs to talk or needs some support.

A prerequisite to empathy is simply paying attention to the person in pain.

I still want to be as approachable and relatable as possible - when I meet fans and they're crying, I'll say, 'Calm down, there's nothing to cry about.'

Children don't need much advice but they really do need to be listened to and not just with half an ear.

It's always marvelous to have somebody who, you know, you feel understands and wants to encourage.

The contrasting focus on connection versus hierarchy also sheds light on innumerable adult conversations - and frustrations. Say a woman tells another about a personal problem and hears in response, 'I know how you feel' or 'the same thing happens to me.' The resulting 'troubles talk' reinforces the connection between them.

If you can relate to what another person is going through while giving their experience room to be its own discrete thing, you're probably a crackerjack emergency contact.

My friends would say I'm not the person to go to for tea, a cuddle and sympathy, because I can't deliver. But if you want something sorted out and need a champion who will stand by your side, that is me.

I would just like a woman someday, somewhere, at some point in my life to say to me, 'You're a great listener.' Haven't heard it yet, and that's a superior compliment to get from a woman. But I'm going to work on it.

Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.

Developing our capacity for compassion makes it possible for us to help others in a more skillful and effective way. And compassion helps us as well.

I was good at keeping my mother from crying.

Kids need to open up to their parents. And parents should realize that when kids are pushing you away, that's the time to really step in.

I can spend 10 to 15 minutes with someone, and they can tell me what they're going through. I may never have gone through that, but I get it on a really deep level.

A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.

There is nothing wrong with listening. You can listen to people; you can hear people's concerns. You can keep an open mind and still be perfectly strong.

I have been the person who tries to keep conversation light while talking to someone whose heart has been smashed.

Americans are cool; if you show just a chink of vulnerability, they respond so much. They'll pat you on the arm and say, 'Hey kid, you're all right.' Brits will respond but they are much more cynical.

Pessimists are usually kind. The gay, bubbling over, have to time for the pitiful.

Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction.

I look after people.

I had a woman breakdown and cry when she met me which was difficult to deal with because immediately when someone starts to cry, you want to comfort them, you know, 'Poor thing.' I comforted her. I tried to make her feel better.

Those who are unhappy have no need for anything in this world but people capable of giving them their attention.