Empathy involves both understanding and sharing the feelings of your partner. It goes beyond mere sympathy to actually experiencing another's emotions, at least to some extent. This deep level of understanding is crucial because it helps partners feel truly seen and heard, fostering a strong bond of trust and intimacy. Empathy also plays a vital role in conflict resolution, as it allows you to see issues from your partner’s perspective and respond in ways that acknowledge their feelings, potentially diffusing tension and fostering a cooperative rather than adversarial atmosphere.