# Empathy vs Sympathy
| [[Empathy]] | [[Sympathy]] |
|---|---|
| shown in how much compassion and understanding we can give to another | more of a feeling of pity for another|
| ability to understand how someone feels | our relief in not having the same problems |
| give the other person space to own their emotions and feelings: We reflect on what they are feeling and provide a safe space for all emotions, even negative ones. | problem-solving mode: We have ideas and judgments about how the person feels and what they should do. |
| comes from the heart. It is feeling another's pain and sharing a human experience | comes from our ego. It is what we know we should do, and often, it is telling others what to do or feel as well |
| appropriate at any time | only appropriate during tough times |
[^1]: https://www.psychmc.com/blogs/empathy-vs-sympathy#:~:text=Empathy%20is%20shown%20in%20how,not%20having%20the%20same%20problems.
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