If You Can’t Relate, Let Them Know While having had a similar experience can certainly help you relate to and feel empathy for another person, it’s not necessary. Believe it or not, acknowledging the fact that you can’t relate can be one of the most validating things you can say. Why? Because it shows respect and appreciation for the other person and their situation. It’s the opposite of “I know exactly how you feel” and it’s surprisingly validating.
