[header] How to be an empathetic friend [title] Be an active listener. [step] One of the best ways to show empathy to a friend is by listening to what they have to say. It can be easy to get caught up in your own thoughts during a conversation or to get distracted by other things in your environment while your friend is talking. 
However, a truly empathetic friend will listen actively and attentively to a friend in need. [substeps] Make eye contact with your friend while they speak.