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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Sympathy refers to a person who has had the same experiences as another.
Empathy refers to a person who has not had the same experience but instead can express feelings and emotions appropriate with being able to cognitively understand a situation.
Example: I live in a city that is having a super hard time dealing with increased houselessness. I have personally been houseless and know exactly how it feels and the circumstances that lead to it and the houseless community writ large. I can sympathize with folks who are houseless as opposed to be a judgemental about it.
A person who has never experienced houselessness but has engaged or educated themselves regarding the issue and understand the varying circumstances in which folks can find themselves on the streets – will be able to empathize with the situation because they understand the nuances of it without judging the folks writ large.
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