To be empathetic or to be sympathetic?

What do these words mean? Sympathy is feeling, showing, or expressing pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s situation. (Definitions are explained according to Dictionary.com) One is not better than the other, but one is more compassionate and supportive. Being able to analyze which category you fall in will help in future encounters with people you know or don’t know.

For example, I am an empathic person. I overstand rather than “understand”. I don’t know why but it helps me connect with people on a deeper level. Being empathetic leaves me vulnerable to getting hurt but I don’t focus on that. I will stay true to myself because it’s make me feel better as a person and strengthens character.

Now don’t get it confused, people who display sympathy ALL the time are more than likely commiserating others which can be condescending. The reason they are typically sympathetic is usually because they are relieved they don’t share the same problems. It’s the same reasoning as to why people laugh at others demise, laughter permits us to externalize our relief for the fact that it’s not our issue. Sympathy as a natural response to other people’s problems is typically from experiencing their own difficulties and feeling like they weren’t being assisted or heard.

To maintain a positive and honest relationship, empathy is key. The lesson to be learned is stop basing your future decisions off of past experiences. It’s a never ending cycle and does nothing but stunt your growth! Try it, what you got to lose other than negative traits. Keep in mind, you choose who deserves your empathy or sympathy but honing that power will empower others to imitate your actions and hopefully improve theirs.