Empathy Vs. Sympathy- What is the Difference?
What Is the Difference Between Showing Empathy and Sympathy?
The definition of empathy:
The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.
The definition of sympathy:
Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.
So, it seems that with empathy I am experiencing someone else’s pain. However, with sympathy I am only feeling sad for someone else, without actually having created a connection through experiencing that pain.
There is a clear distinction between feeling for someone and feeling for yourself.
But wait…what if the situation someone shares with me (such as the loss of a job), is something I have experienced myself? Is this sympathy? Now that may depend on your response, reaction and connection you create through the conversation with the other person.
For the lost job scenario, a reply may be, “That is a very unfortunate circumstance, however there are multiple other job postings on LinkedIn.” Okay so it may seem like this response is trying to reach for the silver lining. Being optimistic and positive is great, however does this response build any form of a connection?
“I understand your struggle of loss. I am here to listen.”
Instead, a vulnerable response showing how you deeply feel that person’s pain is when an empathetic versus sympathetic response comes to fruition. “I understand your struggle of loss. I am here to listen.” This is a simple response, yet in the moment it may be all a person needs. People do not open up to hear our infinite wisdom or about the numerous alternatives there is (as much as we may want to think). Rather, people want someone who listens. I find that if I have someone who just listens (truly listens), I often end up sorting out the situation on my own just by talking out loud. You probably do too. Think how many times you have said, “That sure feels better, I just needed to talk it out!’” We do it all the time.
Listen Is Silent Backwards
So rather than resorting to telling the person how sad you are for them or that “All will work out” (which life always has a way of running it’s course) just listen to them.
I encourage you to take 2 minutes and 54 seconds to watch Brene Brown’s Youtube video on empathy and symptathy. She has a brilliant way of displaying this distinction to really make you stop and think.
Empathy will be shown in how you feel, not what you say. Build this empathetic connection by truly putting yourself in the other person’s shoes to ride through the feelings with that person. This is where the connection will be built. Your friend may come to a resolution all on their own and you may learn a great deal about yourself, your friend and life, in the process.
HCM Lifestyle Is Here to Listen
HCM Lifestyle is about ‘Sharing inspiring stories and ideas from everyday people to help us all become a better version of ourselves.’ We are a friend and we are here to listen and help you while you help others. Be inspiring to everyone around you by sharing your personal journey and what you have learnt. Email hcmlifestyle@gmail.com or share on our website.
Connect With Us Friends
Thank you for being part of the HCM Lifestyle journey. So please connect with us on Instagram @hcmlifestyle, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr and be with us every step of the way. and signing up for our monthly newsletter.
Add Comment