Empathy is totally different from sympathy, although they are often confused. Empathy is understanding what others feel. Sympathy is feeling sorry for others and comforting them. Empathy is understanding what others think. Sympathy is agreeing with what others think. So, for example, empathy is saying, “Losing your job is deeply painful. You feel rejected and unfairly treated. You’re really worried about what’s going to become of you and your family.” Sympathy is saying, “I feel so bad you lost your job. They treated you so unfairly. I’m sure you’ll find another job soon. You’re too good a
...more
Difference between empathy and sympathy
