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Empathy vs. Sympathy
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Empathy and sympathy are not just two different approaches to confronting the emotional challenges of others; they are diametrically opposite responses in many important ways. Sympathy places another's problems at a distance from us, places us in a position of superiority, and "drives separation", says the film's narrator, Dr. Brené Brown. Empathy, on the other hand, requires that one internalize the feelings of another. That shared experience drives interpersonal connection, she says. "What makes things better is connection."
Be The Change
1
Dr. Brown studies the ways we make personal connections with each other. Watch her TED talks on "The Power of Vulnerability" and "Listening to Shame."
2
Consider the notion that we are hard-wired for empathy.
3
The next time you find yourself feeling sorry for someone, try to shift your reaction from sympathy to empathy. Ask yourself: how are they feeling and when have I felt this way also?
Reflections (133)
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Sometimes just being there for someone, in the moment really helps and that's what they need
to have someone as a sounding board, this is why I vote more for Empathy. we want to help
but never take away their joy away to say "I did it myself"