Difference between empathy and sympathy

There is a big difference between empathy and sympathy.

With sympathy, my emotions and the other person’s are tied together. I cannot help her because I “go down” with her.

With empathy, I am conscious of my needs and feelings, and I can help her find what her feelings and needs are. I can be present for her because I am not overwhelmed by my own emotions.

In the cartoon, the giraffe is in empathy with Valentine and the jackal is not.

Difference between empathy and sympathy | Daily NVC

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