Eli5: what is the difference between sympathy and empathy?

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People have tried explaining it to me before and I never really understood the difference. I’m hoping a simple explanation will help.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

I am a man.

I **sympathize** with my girlfriend when she has period cramps. I know she is in pain, but I really have no idea what she’s going through.

I **empathize** with my friends when they get hit in the balls. I too have been hit in the balls and I understand their pain.

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