The Difference Between Sympathy And Empathy

I haven't looked at the link Josiah, but always thought that sympathy was feeling sorry for the person [who needed it] and empathy was being able to put yourself in him/her's position [which not everyone can do.] I could be wrong!Will look at the link later.:eek:nthego:
 
I remember learning this in nursing school. And I think you are correct oakapple.
 

Yes. That's how I always understood it. You can sympathize with someone going through a bad situation.. You can empathize with that person if you have also gone through that same situation.
 
I don't agree with her understanding of sympathy either Josiah. I've always been a very sympathetic towards others who are hurting, even as a young child. I truly felt sorry for them, in my heart and soul, not just to pat them on the back and tell them it's time to get over it, go have a piece of cake. I also have great empathy, even for animals. I can imagine what a dog, for example, goes through when being caged for her entire life for breeding in a puppy mill. I can open myself up enough to understand that standing on a wire cage all my life that causes sores, pain and infection is a horrible thing. That being forcibly mated at every heat is a drain on the body. That being in a cage where you can barely turn around, is unbearable. I can try to understand what it must feel like to have no human or animal companionship, love, touching, light of day, etc.
 
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