Empathy is essential—but sometimes, it’s not enough.

Because imagining how I would feel in your shoes only works if our brains work the same way.

And they don’t.

In neurodiverse relationships, we need something deeper than traditional empathy. We need curiosity. Non-judgment. The willingness to be surprised.

This piece invites us to move beyond projection and into the kind of understanding that’s built—not assumed.

Reflection prompt:

• Where am I assuming sameness instead of seeking understanding?