The Power of Being a Safe Person: 10 Tips to Connect More Deeply
In today’s world, where stress, anxiety and disconnection are soooo common, creating emotional safety in our relationships is more important than ever. Whether it’s with family, friends or coworkers, people need to feel secure and understood in order to fully open up and be themselves. But being a "safe person" doesn’t just happen by chance—it requires intentionality and self-awareness.
The idea behind these 10 Ways to Be a Safe Person is simple: by adopting these behaviours, we can create a space where the people in our lives feel respected, supported and seen. Emotional safety is about more than just being a good listener; it’s about truly engaging with others in a way that fosters trust and connection.
Why is this important? Because feeling emotionally safe with someone allows us to be vulnerable, and vulnerability is at the heart of every strong relationship. It’s how we form genuine connections, whether we’re comforting a friend in need or building trust with a colleague. By creating emotional safety, we help others feel like they can show up as they are, without fear of judgment or rejection.
Here are 10 tips on how you can connect more deeply.
Process feedback without becoming defensive. Receiving feedback can be hard, especially if it feels personal. But instead of jumping to defensiveness, take a breath. Ask yourself what you can learn from the feedback. This not only shows maturity but also communicates that you are open and willing to grow.
Apologize for your mistakes & ask for repairs. We all make mistakes, but how we handle them matters. A genuine apology, paired with a commitment to making things right, fosters trust and shows that you're accountable for your actions.
Be mindful of your body language and tone. Communication isn’t just about words. Your body language and tone can speak volumes. Make sure they’re aligned with the message you want to send—whether that’s compassion, understanding or respect.
Listen to understand, not just to respond. Listening is more than waiting for your turn to talk—it’s about fully engaging with what the other person is saying, without immediately thinking about how you’ll reply. True listening is a powerful way to show someone you care.
Give others space to show emotions (e.g., cry). Emotions are part of being human. Allowing someone to feel their emotions without judgment or rushing them to "move on" creates a safe environment where they can truly be themselves.
Ask questions instead of making assumptions. We often assume we know what someone is thinking or feeling, but asking questions instead opens up deeper, more honest communication. It’s a way of showing curiosity and respect for their experience.
Be present when you can (e.g., don’t multitask), We live in a busy world, but multitasking while someone is talking can make them feel unimportant. Give them your full attention when you can. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to show that you value their time and thoughts.
Show empathy even when you don't agree. Empathy isn’t about agreeing with everything someone says—it’s about understanding where they’re coming from. When you show empathy, you build a bridge of connection, even in disagreement.
Be curious about others’ thoughts & feelings. Don’t just focus on your perspective—be genuinely interested in what the other person is feeling or thinking. Curiosity can open the door to more meaningful conversations and deeper understanding.
Request permission before sharing your POV. Sometimes people need to vent or process their feelings without being offered solutions. Before jumping in with your advice or perspective, ask if they’re ready for it. This small act of respect can make a big difference in how safe they feel.
Being a Safe Person Is About Intentionality
In short, being a safe person isn’t just about helping others—it’s about building healthier, more fulfilling relationships for ourselves too. When we create emotional safety, we open the door to deeper connection, mutual respect, and greater understanding.