Sympathy or Empathy?

[matthew55]

The best explanation of the difference between those two words I have heard is as follows.
A man has fallen into a deep ditch by the side of the road, and is unable to get out. The first man notices him and stands on the edge of the road while saying things like "I am so sorry you have fallen in" and "It must be terrible for you," then walks on. The second man also notices him and immediately he jumps down landing beside the man. He says things like "I really do feel the same way as you" and "Together we can get out of here." I tell you what, why don't you decide which man was sympathetic? 🙂x

[Ellie]

To me, neither were sympathetic - the first displayed empathy, the second displayed compassion as he acted to improve the outcome of the person in the ditch.

Well, you didn't expect a straightforward reply from me, did you 😜

Love Ellie.

[SueM]

My understanding is that we can all sympathise with someone in a situation that we haven’t experienced ourselves, but we can only empathise when we have been in the same situation

[matthew55]

My bad, I got it a bit wrong you see the ditch wasn't deep but muddy and the second man puts one leg in and offers his hand to help. 😞

[Ellie]

Same premise applies...

[matthew55]

Empathy, noun, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Not my words 🙂x

[denise]

Glad we got that sorted

[Ellie]

Empathy, noun, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Not my words 🙂x

Yes that it is.

To empathy, add an action which acts to improve one's situation in an altruistic manner and you have compassion. I guess in Top Trumps, it may carry most points 🤔