Health · Mental Health · 3 hrs ago
Rideshare conversations show the value of listening with empathy
A therapist says that listening with care can help people feel less alone, even when their problems cannot be fixed.
She describes a rideshare driver in Miami who told her about a difficult custody battle.
After she listened during the ride, he thanked her and said he had not told anyone else.
She also recalls a driver in San Diego who was struggling financially after moving to the city.
The therapist says an empathic witness listens without rushing to judge or offer a solution.
That kind of conversation can help someone feel seen, ease the burden of keeping worries to themselves and clarify their thoughts.
It does not replace therapy when professional care is needed.
The story offers no specific next steps for the drivers, but points to the broader importance of human connection amid widespread loneliness.
A Psychology Today essay says listening with empathy can help people feel heard, less alone and clearer about their thoughts.
The author recounts a Miami Uber driver who shared the challenges of a custody battle and thanked the author for listening.
The essay also describes a San Diego driver who was struggling financially after moving and said she knew what she needed to do.
The author says ordinary conversations can offer support but cannot replace therapy when professional care is needed.
The essay cites a 2025 World Health Organization report that found loneliness affects approximately one in six people worldwide.
- Who
- The essay’s author and two Uber drivers are described.
- What
- The author argues that listening with empathy can help people feel heard and supported.
- When
- The experiences are described as happening years after the author’s second-grade memory; specific dates are not stated.
- Where
- During Uber rides in Miami and San Diego.
- Why
- The author says listening can help people feel seen, share emotional burdens and organize their thoughts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tell me everything that happened. Slowly.
Thank you. I haven't said that to anyone.
The author recalls a teacher listening with compassion after an injustice on the playground.
The author says they began noticing the value of empathic listening, including during Uber rides.
In Miami, an Uber driver discussed challenges in a custody battle.
In San Diego, a driver described struggling financially after moving and said she knew what she needed to do.
A World Health Organization commission report said loneliness affects approximately one in six people worldwide.
- Outlet
- Psychology Today
- Miami ride
- 45 minutes
- Global loneliness
- Approximately one in six people, according to the 2025 World Health Organization report
- Other ride location
- San Diego
Sources
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