What most people get wrong about empathy vs. sympathy—and how to get it right

The English language is full of words that people use like they mean the same thing. Symptom vs. sign. Jealousy vs. envy. Confidence vs. arrogance. Alone vs. lonely. And one that’s definitely up there on the list is empathy vs. sympathy.

Empathy fuels connection. Sympathy drives disconnection.

— Brené Brown

While they’re often treated like harmless synonyms, they don’t mean the same thing. And mixing them up can quietly unravel how you connect, respond, and show up for others.

What is ...