tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28750528.post5809303293081194734..comments2023-08-16T10:01:46.573-04:00Comments on Free Philosophical Discussions: EmpathyMichael Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037629797131193313noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28750528.post-42135926812581159602006-11-10T06:13:00.000-05:002006-11-10T06:13:00.000-05:00I agree. By sharing a personal story the focus cha...I agree. By sharing a personal story the focus changes to me and not them.Michael Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11037629797131193313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28750528.post-64725327362594778722006-11-09T21:47:00.000-05:002006-11-09T21:47:00.000-05:00Several years ago, probably about the time I start...Several years ago, probably about the time I started really studying psychology, I noticed the same thing you did about how people respond to stories intended to show a level of empathy. I gave up trying to relate personal experiences, because no matter how similar they always ended up failing to achieve their desired impact. <br /><br />Imagine if the opposite situation were true, this person had a paper cut, and you explain how you can empathize because you cut off your arm once. In either situation the story puts the focus on you instead of the person you are trying to console. <br /><br />I think that second X gives people more options. Phrases such as "Bless your heart," and "Oh, you poor thing" tend to express the sentiment I'm feeling, but I'm not sure they'd have the same impact coming from me.marcushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05998778504790208999noreply@blogger.com