I Want To Write My Random Thoughts And Feelings

Empathy is the ability to make inferences about someone's internal world without needing to be told what they're actually experiencing. It's also the hallmarks of a truly intelligent person to be able to do this, and indicative of a far-reaching, deeply analytical mind. In realistic terms, we can all put ourselves in the shoes of others and get a rough idea of what they're experiencing. But true empathy, the kind which is often extremely difficult to come by and seldomly seen, is that extra something, that spark of magic which ignites an emotive force of its own.

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FocusReborn · 26-30, M

@Quest2013 Sympathy is empathy minus the deep understanding (or comprehension) of a person's behaviour and intent. We can be sympathetic towards someone's plight without actually needing to understand the underlying mechanisms behind that person's plight - which is where empathy would come in, I think; that richness of understanding which allows you to peer into someone's soul and gauge its contents. In doing this, you're operating on a deep level of personal understanding. It's very powerful (or at least I think). Though I am myself intensely empathetic.

SimplyK · 61-69, M

Amen to your post....we are often seen as weak because we can be so emotional over another's pain...but for one to be able to feel this deeply is a strength...

Memetic · 56-60, F

How would you define the difference between empathy and sympathy?

"In realistic terms, we can all put ourselves in the shoes of others" - I disagree. I have met too many people who are incapable of it even when being asked to.

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