Why isn’t empathy practiced as much as sympathy?

Time and time again we occasionally catch ourselves feeling bad for someone faster than understanding one’s emotion. Let’s first define sympathy and empathy to get a better understanding of these terms.

Sympathy (n) Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.

Empathy (n) The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feeling, thoughts and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.

Generally speaking, sympathy is used in the event when there is a loss of life. For instance you may say “Sending my heartfelt sympathies to your family.” At times sympathy can have a negative connotation. For instance, you may feel bad for people who are self-sabotaging themselves but you are not allowing them to be accountable for their actions. It is a common bad habit with sympathy. Why is that? Is it because it is easier to just feel bad for them instead of putting yourself in their shoes? Are we in such a self-absorbed society of selfies and cell phones?

Empathy is so important to practice. It helps us achieve our desired goals and become more consciously aware with what is currently going on in this world. Empathy provides us with a better understanding as to why some people my feel a certain way and how we can help them. Some have said that if empathy is not taught in the beginning in their upbringing then it cannot be learned in their adulthood. It’s never too late to learn empathy but it can be hard to learn for someone that has not been taught in his or her entire life. Start small with a small act of kindness such as opening the door for someone. Be considerate with people’s feelings. And lastly, empathy is also beneficial for your one’s emotional, physical health and well being through connection and care. It helps heal psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. It is a gateway to happiness, success, creativity and positivity. 

So let’s be more self-aware and empathize instead of sympathize. It will make the world go a better place.