Do you know the difference between empathy and sympathy? These terms sound similar, but they have different meanings. Sympathy is feeling for and empathy is feeling with. If these still sound similar consider the concept of feeling sorry for. This can also be described as pity and it is something that can be done from a distance, with no personal relationship or connection. Empathy is not something that can be expressed with detachment. It requires a sense of solidarity with the one who is suffering. To express empathy requires personal involvement on your part even to the point of experiencing pain vicariously. Are you willing to do this? People can tell the difference. Which do you prefer for yourself when you are in pain?
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