It is a confusing thing for sure. I can certainly recognize when a person is sad or hurt, I also know how sad or hurt feels, so technically that qualifies for empathy, even if I didn't really care. Unless the caring part is the affective part? In which case, some times yes, some times no, and to be honest most times would be no. So back to square one. I've read "professionals" explain it and define it and honestly? It sounds like they are talking thru their arse and they don't know either. Watching them on youtube is hilarious! The two part is confusing, actually only the affective part. The cognitive part is logically sound and makes sense. The affective part sounds psychic hokey pokey, like they are making it up as they go along.