ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the spirit of relational work: understanding, compassion, and empathy. Self-disclosure can be a routine part of an informal and friendly conversation. Or, it might be a way to convey understanding of a difficult situation or be part of a teachable moment. Compassion is a global connection among people based on human experience. Compassion is a response to another’s pain or difficulty that calls us to take action to relieve their suffering. The relationship between understanding someone and experiencing compassion and empathy is important. Hospitality is one important part of making space for young people. Hospitality is about making others feel welcome and comfortable. Another important consideration related to hospitality is transparency. Transparency involves demystifying what is going on by making the covert overt. Transparency is different from self-disclosure. They do different things.
