Empathy means I feel your pain. It means I've walked in your shoes and understand from personal experience at least a portion of what you're going through.
Sympathy means I'm taking part in your pain in the sense that I feel sorrowful for what you're going through.
When someone I love is struggling with mental illness, for example, I can only sympathize. It's not something I've had to deal with. But that doesn't mean my heart doesn't still break at the pain I see them dealing with. All I can do is offer my love and whatever support they deem appropriate.
I'm sorry, Donna. That's a tough place to be. Just be there in love.
ReplyDeleteIt's the US that's hurting right now.
DeleteI'm an empath, I do feel when somebody is suffering usually. I can also feel negative energy in people.
ReplyDeleteSome people must be really difficult to be around then. My hubby's like you.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIn many ways, I feel what you're saying. It is something that is hard for many people to deal with
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Sometimes when a person expresses sympathy, they get jumped on with accusations that they can't empathize. They never claimed to, but it doesn't mean they're not hurting for you.
DeleteAwesome quote. And yes there is a difference, but both offer comfort to someone in pain.
ReplyDeleteToo often the words are used interchangeably.
DeleteLove pours out of good people and for those of us who are loved life is worth living.
ReplyDeleteBoth are different, but equally important to the person one is hopefully able to comfort.
ReplyDelete