4 differences between empathy and sympathy

Empathy and sympathy are two terms that are often used interchangeably; but, in reality, they are concepts with differences. Both They refer to the ability to understand and feel the emotions of others, although the way in which they are experienced and expressed is not the same.

In this article, we will explore the dissimilarities between being empathetic and being sympathetic, as well as how these abilities affect our relationships and personal development.

What is sympathy?

Spell is that feeling that allows you to understand a certain emotional state in other people. It is reviewed in a work by Emotion Review that By experiencing sympathy for someone it is possible to worry about their problems and understand the situation they are going through, without getting emotionally involved.

Perhaps sympathy helps to give useful advice or feel sorry for the unpleasant situation that the other person is going through. However, he may not feel heard or actually content when we act nice.

This does not mean that sympathy is often an appropriate response. If someone with whom we do not have a close relationship loses a loved one, we send a message of condolence. Nevertheless, When the relationship is intimate and deep with this person, sympathy is insufficient and is even seen as coldness.

What is empathy?

With empathy we also identify the emotional states of others, except that we also share them. Being empathetic is having the ability to feel firsthand what others experience.; It is “putting yourself in their shoes”, understanding and participating in their emotions.

According to cognitive and behavioral neuroscience studies, such as the one published in Mind & Society, empathy is related to complex mental and emotional mechanisms, including mirror neurons. The latter are activated by performing a specific action and observing others perform the same thing.

Empathy is an important skill in interpersonal relationships, since it allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. From the empathic dimension we better understand someone’s needs and desires, which results in a more effective response to their needs.

We often feel greater empathy for those with whom we identify, even if the differences are minimal. For example, a study published in Journal of Experimental Child Psychology noted that children randomly assigned to red and blue groups tended to feel more empathy toward those on their own team.

Differences between empathy and sympathy

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they feel. Spell, on the other hand, is the inclination to affection or affinity for someone. Both attitudes are important to establish positive human relationships, but they are not the same. Next, we will see four differences between them.

1. The type of listening

When we listen to others with sympathy, we are likely to try to give advice about what they should do to improve their situation. Instead, Listening to others without judging is an essential characteristic of empathy. Although giving advice may be of great help, if we act with empathy, perhaps it will only be enough to tell the other person to count on us for whatever they need.

2. The level of depth

Spell helps us distinguish the emotion that the other is experiencing; then it is possible to feel sorry or worried about your situation. However, Empathy links us in a deeper way, through emotions. If the other person is distressed, we feel that distress as if it were our own.

3. The point of view

Through sympathy we observe others from our point of view. It’s easy to tell someone what to do when we’re not emotionally involved. However, Empathy leads us to understand other people’s feelings from the other’s point of view.. It is not enough to think about what I would do in that situation, but rather what this person can do from their place.

4. The degree of openness

To be nice we don’t need to establish deep ties. Whether we interact with an acquaintance or a co-worker, gestures of sympathy help maintain cordial treatment. To be empathetic, it is necessary to open ourselves to feeling the pain of others, without judging or minimizing it.

This openness tends to benefit the person, since they will feel accompanied and validated in their emotions. However, it also implies a risk for us, since we can feel vulnerable when sharing the suffering of others. That’s why, It is important to take care of our emotional balance and establish healthy boundaries by practicing empathy.

Why is it necessary to know the differences between empathy and sympathy?

Empathy and sympathy have their differences based on how we relate to others. The first involves deep understanding; The second focuses on concern and support without the need to involve feelings. By cultivating empathy, we also give ourselves the opportunity to grow as individuals and improve our personal development.

Furthermore, being aware of the differences between empathy and sympathy allows us to be reflective in interactions, which is key in making decisions regarding how we want to relate to and contribute to the well-being of another.

You might be interested…