What does empathy involve?

Empathy involves understanding sensitive thoughts and feelings, which encompasses the ability to deeply connect with and recognize the emotional states of others. This means not just acknowledging someone's distress but also appreciating their perspective and emotional experiences. It requires an active effort to listen and comprehend what another person is going through, allowing for a more compassionate and supportive interaction.

On the other hand, feeling sorry for someone might imply a more superficial response that lacks the depth of understanding involved in true empathy. Providing solutions to problems and giving advice based on personal experience may not fully capture the essence of empathy, which is more about emotional connection than problem-solving or sharing one's knowledge. True empathy focuses on validating the emotions of others rather than jumping quickly to fix their issues or share personal anecdotes.