Alternatives to "I'm sorry you feel that way."

[aeolianchaos]

"I'm sorry you feel that way."

I would try to avoid that one - it can actually be perceived as invalidating to their experience. Especially if they are already touchy.

What is your goal in doing this? Is this tactical or strategic for you?

Active listening is a powerful, powerful tool in a lot of situations. While I don't think it should be the foundation for everything, it will certainly help in lowering the temperature in a potentially volatile situation.

I think it can be very effective to ask questions as this affirms and demonstrates that you are trying to understand their feelings and needs.

I don't know your situation enough to really give you some good examples of where this could apply. But in general, if you can elicit more information from someone about What they are feeling, how they are thinking, what they are perceiving, and what they want.. it can be useful for you as well as allow them to feel more fully 'heard.'

Perhaps you can give some examples.