Description

Brene Brown gives one of the best discussions of the difference between empathy and sympathy there is.  Empathy, for Brown, builds relationships and heals situations, while sympathy too often drives disconnection and makes the situation worse.  Through great metaphors, easy to remember definitions, and engaging cartoons Brown provides memorable life lessons on how to connect with others.

Discussion Questions

• What is the difference between empathy and sympathy for Brown?
• What are the four qualities of empathy?
• When can ‘looking on the bright side’ of things make things worse?  And why?
• Does anyone want to share recent times when they’ve just needed a little empathy and how that made them feel?

Keywords: empathy, emotions, friendship, perspective taking, sympathy, emotional intelligence, psychology, consolation,