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August 30

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Sympathy vs Empathy: Know the Difference?

By John Kuder

August 30, 2022


What’s the difference between sympathy and empathy? They are easy to mix up.
In the video, we discuss a progression from disempowerment to empowerment in four different behaviors:

  • Pity
  • Sympathy
  • Empathy
  • Compassion

Pity creates separation and treats the recipient as incapable.

Sympathy is an expression of how you feel about someone’s problem or situation. It maintains an emotional boundary.

Empathy is understanding their problem and feeling with them, either by imagining or remembering. As Brené Brown says, “empathy fuels connection.”

Compassion goes a step further than empathy by actively doing something to lessen their suffering.

There are differing opinions and professionals disagree with the dictionary. Here are some resources to review:

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/empathy-vs-sympathy

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/sympathy-empathy-difference

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202007/sympathy-vs-empathy

https://chopra.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-empathy-sympathy-and-compassion

John Kuder

About the author

John is certified as a Mind Model Method Coach, Platinum Business Coach, Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 Master, CIW Certified Instructor, and holds many other certifications. He enjoys photography and gardening when he isn't buried neck-deep in a computer.

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