SeptemberMorn, I like this definition of empathy, "appreciation of another's problems and feelings without experiencing the same emotional reaction." Sympathy, for me, goes further to the other person trying to fix your problems, often because they're the one who is made uncomfortable by them. I especially like the word "appreciation" used with this definition of empathy. To me it almost adds an air of hope or trust that the unpleasant situation isn't permanent and that the other person trusts I can get out of it and wants me to know they're an interested bystander, curious to see how I do it and what they can learn from me and to know if there's anyway they can help, let them know and they'll see what they can do :-) Did you see The Princess Bride? I think of Wesley and Inigo fighting and helping one another out at the same time. They had empathy for one another's story and problems. Empathy is "respectful". Sympathy is like charity to me, often more help to the person giving it than to the one receiving.