What’s the Difference between…

SYMPATHY, EMPATHY, AND COMPASSION?

There are a lot of weird things about the situation we’re in. We’re scared, we’re bored, we’re anxious — and, what’s more, the whole world is right there with us. There’s never been a better time to tap into the human potential for empathy, sympathy, and compassion — and to learn the difference between them.

Empathy is a person’s ability to recognize and share the emotions of another. Let’s break that down: it involves 1) being able to see someone else’s situation from their perspective, and 2) feeling the same things that person is feeling. To empathize, it helps to have some first-hand knowledge of the situation; I’m more likely to empathize with someone if I’ve experienced something similar.

Sympathy is a feeling of concern for someone, often accompanied by a desire to see that person happier or in a better situation. Unlike empathy, it doesn’t involve a shared perspective or emotions — one does not feel the sufferer’s distress, but rather feels bad about the sufferer’s distress.

Compassion is the most engaged emotion of the three. It’s empathy taken a step farther; someone both shares the distress of another and has an active desire to alleviate that distress. It’s feeling as sad as your friend, and then baking them cookies to help them feel better; it’s knowing how scared your neighbor is, and dropping flowers outside their door. 

The whole world could use more empathy, sympathy, and compassion right now — so try channeling some of yours. It may help cheer you up, too!