Empathy or Sympathy? Which one are you?
By merkava
@merkava (1225)
Philippines
February 6, 2007 3:42am CST
According to my peers I'm too much of a sympathetic person. The trouble with being sympathetic is that sometimes I get myself too involved in other peoples problems. At times I don't just take the extra step but go all the way. I don't know if being sympathetic is a character flaw?
Ever since I could remember like the time my sister was spanked because she did something wrong it was me who cried but not her. When my parents asked me why I was crying I remember saying that "don't spank my sister, just spank me because I know it hurts." Even through high school I'd always root for my friend whom my classmates term him as "dumb/stupid." I would spend hours tutoring him and at times it pays off and when my classmates asked me why I was helping him I just replied "because none of you would." After I said that I almost cried because reality struck me.... I learned that people who are fit won't help the people who are unfit. In that case, since they have a sufficient grade why would they bother with someone who has a hopeless one?!
You, are you empathic or sympathetic? I know the topic kinda seems dorky, sorry for that. Just want to relate to you guys what I've experienced growing up.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@destinycole (827)
•
6 Feb 07
I actually think you are incredibly sensitive, and intuitive to peoples feelings, this is more like empathy, or some sort of psyhic link between you and your sister.
I think you are very caring and kind person and yes this can be hard because we take away things that other people tell us and worry about it!
They get a good nights sleep whilst we fret over their worries :)
Its finding a balance, you might benefit from psychically shielding yourself from emotion.
I don't have the process here right now but Cassandra Easons book 10 Steps to Psychic Power will help to enhance this natural sensitivity that you have.
Blessed Be.
@merkava (1225)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
Gee, it's nice to know that I MIGHT have psychic abilities. I might be more in tune and more receptive to other people's feelings than other individuals. But my problem is if I get over-emotional over something. It's a good thing my girlfriend is the more sensitive one so when I'm with her I at least have to put up a strong posture and yet show a little sensitivity. When there are times I get overly sensitive she also dives right on in and now were both victims of it. Gee, I wonder how our children might come out like?
@destinycole (827)
•
26 Feb 07
wow! thanks for rating me best response hun :D and don't worry some people are just very sensitive its not a bad thing, better than being insensitive which can sadly happen when we sensitive souls are hurt by the insensitive.
@merkava (1225)
• Philippines
6 Feb 07
I understand where you're coming from. I too was treated by friends that way because I was physically unhealthy before. But they weren't showing sympathy.... they were showing pity. Sympathy and Pity are 2 different things. Pity is more on the side of sympathy. In empathy you know their pain but you don't act on it. In sympathy you FEEL, KNOW and can RELATE to their pain and because of that you act.
@Bangalorean (1282)
• India
6 Feb 07
Empathy is the best way out. And incase of sympathy, you have learnt it better.
