What Empaths Would Never Say
Still unsure about the distinctions between empathy and sympathy? Consider these four examples of statements you may think sound sympathetic but are, in fact, the very opposite of empathic responses.
The irony here is that the speaker actually believes that what they’re saying in these examples will both benefit the listener and establish a bond between them. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth.
1. “I know exactly what you are feeling. I’ve been there, done that.”
2. “It could always be worse.”
3. “Try to be positive. Maybe it was meant to be.”
4. “Don’t you think it’s time to move on?”
Peggy Streep
