Empathy Example 1: Have you ever felt sad with a friend just because he was sad? That is empathy! So, for example, if you feel sad with your friend because he did not make the soccer team (even though you are not affected by him not making the team) – that’s empathy. Sharing his sadness is a kind of empathy.
Empathy Example 2: Have you ever been with a friend who just got a new toy, and she is so excited about it, and you get super excited too? If you are feeling excited because you know how great it can feel to get a new toy (even though you did not get a toy and you are not playing with the toy) … that’s empathy. Being excited with your friend is a kind of empathy.
If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive. BRENE BROWN
Written by Kumar Bandyo