TheDalai Lama XIV tells us that "love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries." Yet, for many reasons, compassionate communication in our day and age seems to have become lost from our repertoire of interpersonal interactions. My goal in this book is to help you in recovering that connection. Here you will discover a way to learn how to listen and truly hear an opposing viewpoint without reacting defensively, and without the need to express judgment and rancor. You will learn to recognize another's expression of need, and respond compassionately by listening completely from a place of empathy and understanding. You will find that even as an adult it is possible to learn compassionate communication, just as any other beneficial habit can be learned. All it takes is the desire, and willingness to follow the steps that will ultimately lead you to a healthier and happier life.