And there I was thinking I was one of the two people you were going to mention! 😉
I love that animation from Brene Brown. One of my friends shared it with me many years ago, and it helped me understand the difference. How we relate to others - whether well, or not - comes down to practice. It took me many many attempts to say something that was empathetic, not sympathetic. Now I cringe slightly when I hear sympathy offered because, as you say, it creates distance, rather than connection.
Your practices will really help your readers tune into empathy and how to offer it.
That's very useful. I've had a similar lack of understanding about the real distinction here. The Brene Brown animation was really good and helpful too.
And there I was thinking I was one of the two people you were going to mention! 😉
I love that animation from Brene Brown. One of my friends shared it with me many years ago, and it helped me understand the difference. How we relate to others - whether well, or not - comes down to practice. It took me many many attempts to say something that was empathetic, not sympathetic. Now I cringe slightly when I hear sympathy offered because, as you say, it creates distance, rather than connection.
Your practices will really help your readers tune into empathy and how to offer it.
That's very useful. I've had a similar lack of understanding about the real distinction here. The Brene Brown animation was really good and helpful too.