"S
ympathy" vs. "empathy." Both terms relate to how we connect emotionally with others, but they have distinct meanings:
Sympathy:
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Definition: The feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. It's about recognizing someone's suffering and feeling compassion or concern.
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Example: If a friend loses a loved one, you might say, "I'm so sorry for your loss." This expresses your sorrow for their situation without necessarily sharing their emotions.
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Key Aspect: Sympathy involves understanding and recognizing another person's feelings without necessarily experiencing them yourself.
Empathy:
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Definition: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes and feeling what they feel.
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Example: If a friend is feeling anxious about an upcoming exam, you might feel anxious too because you can relate to their stress.
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Key Aspect: Empathy involves a deeper emotional connection where you genuinely share and experience the emotions of the other person.
Summary:
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Sympathy: "I feel for you."
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Empathy: "I feel with you."
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