Empathy vs. Sympathy
CATEGORY: SOCIAL
image credit: thersa.org, Brené Brown
Why:
We can develop our empathy like a muscle, creating stronger and more supportive relationships.
Warm-Up:
Who is the most empathetic person you know? What do they say or do to show their empathy?
Exploration:
Empathy is not the same thing as sympathy. Author Brené Brown says: "Sympathy is I feel bad FOR you. Empathy is I feel WITH you. Sympathy can make us feel more alone. Empathy helps us feel connected." If someone is feeling down, a sympathetic response might be "I'm sorry you're feeling bad," but a better, empathetic response would be "I get it, I feel with you, I've been there, too." We can build empathy like a muscle. Try practicing with each other: if each person shares a difficult moment they've had recently, others can try offering sympathy vs. empathy. See which feels the best to receive.
Additional Resources
There is a wonderful 3-minute video introduction to Brené Brown's description of empathy vs sympathy, recommended for both adults and adolescents.