WATCH: Why Empathy Is More Powerful Than Sympathy | HuffPost Life

WATCH: Why Empathy Is More Powerful Than Sympathy

By

Contributor

When we are faced with tough conversations, we have a tendency to take the easy way out -- a way that avoids revealing our own vulnerabilities, and ultimately avoids the healing, bonding connection that we might otherwise have.

"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice, because in order to connect with you I have to connect with something within myself that knows that feeling," says author and University of Houston professor Dr. Brené Brown in the speech animated for the video above.

Empathy, Brown explains, is also a more powerful choice than sympathy. Empathy enables us to relate to and console those in our lives, while sympathy distances us.

Watch the full speech here:

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Healthy Living Tips

Eat Lots Of Protein(01 of10)

Protein is the staple for creating and building healthy muscle. As you're building muscle, protein works to help sustain that muscle. Be sure to pack on the protein after your workout. (credit:Shutterstock)

Get Outside(02 of10)

If you don't have a gym nearby, there are plenty of outdoor activities that will help you get in shape, such as bike riding and hiking. (credit:Shutterstock)

Eat One Green Thing Everyday(03 of10)

One easy way to make better choices when it comes to your eating habits is to incorporate one green vegetable into your diet each day. (credit:Shutterstock)

Eat Three Major Meals Per Day(04 of10)

Make sure that you're eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The more you eat, the more portion control you'll have, which will make your metabolism work faster. (credit:Shutterstock)

Avoid The Weight Loss Plateau(05 of10)

Weight loss plateaus occur when your body gets used to the workout regimen that you're consistently putting it through. Try doing fitness challenges like CrossFit, Tough Mudder, and Wounded Warrior in order to shock your body. Even if you only do this once per week, your body will still respond. (credit:Shutterstock)

Do Your Cardio First(06 of10)

Warm your up body by doing your cardio workout first in order to get your blood circulating. Then follow up with strength training once you're warmed up. (credit:Shutterstock)

Bring Your Sneakers To Work(07 of10)

Every hour on the hour during your work day, put your sneakers on and climb the stairs for 15-20 minutes. If you're moving, you're burning calories. (credit:Shutterstock)

Get A Good Night's Sleep(08 of10)

Your body needs rest, especially when you're on a workout regimen, so be sure to devote 6-8 hours to sleep per night. (credit:Gettystock)

Have A Plan To Stick To(09 of10)

The more you have planned out when it comes to losing weight, the more successful you'll be. Know the amount of calories that you should be putting into your body per day, and how those calories are going to affect your weight loss goals. The more educated you are on the foods that you're eating, the more weight you will lose. (credit:Gettystock)

Change Your Mindset(10 of10)

When it comes to reaching your weight loss goals, a negative mindset can be your biggest enemy. In order to change your body, you have to be willing to change how you perceive the things that can get in your way. (credit:Shutterstock)

Related

healthy living animated videos inspirational video sympathy inspiration

Suggest a correction

|

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

39 Products For Anyone In Their Quiet Luxury Era, But On A Budget

29 Pairs Of Shoes Reviewers Say Make It Feel Like You’re 'Walking On Clouds'

This Affordable Drugstore Cream Might Be The Closest Thing To The Famous La Mer

12 Shorts For Men That Aren't Too Long And Don't Look Dumb

Reviewers Are Obsessed With These Comfortable Sneaker Sandals — Here's Why

MORE IN LIFE

Money

This Gen Z'er Makes $82K A Year And Is Still Struggling Financially — Here's How It Affects Her Daily Life

Relationships

Can A Sexless Marriage Survive? We Asked The Experts.

Shopping

Totally Lovely Mother's Day Gifts That Cost Less Than $30

Shopping

We Track Sales For A Living – Here Are 33 Way Day Deals That We Recommend

Shopping

19 Outdoor Furniture Deals Worth Shopping From Wayfair’s Way Day Sale

Parenting

Study Identifies The 1 Grandparent Who Has The Biggest Impact On Kids

Work/Life

This 1 Thing In ‘13 Going On 30’ Is Still Too Real 20 Years Later

Food & Drink

It's Settled: THIS Is The Best Way To Make A Margarita

Life

Seen ‘Baby Reindeer’? Here’s What To Do If You Think You Have An Online Stalker

Parenting

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

Life

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

Shopping

Calling All Hot Sleepers: Cooling Pillows Are Under $50 In Brooklinen's Sitewide Sale

Shopping

This Popular Large-Room Air Purifier Is Somehow Less Than $70 Right Now

Shopping

We Shop For A Living And These Are Our Favorite Products Ever

Shopping

The Luxury Serum That Has Kept My Mom's Skin Glowing For Years Is 15% Off Right Now

Shopping

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

Shopping

Achieve Perfect Cold Brew Or Iced Coffee With One Of These Highly-Rated Options From Amazon

Shopping

26 Beauty Products Reviewers Over 50 Wished They’d Known About Sooner

Shopping

These 15 Products Can Make Gardening So Much More Comfortable

Food & Drink

This Is The Mint Julep Recipe Served At The Kentucky Derby

Shopping

This Skin Serum Is A Secret Weapon For Shrinking Large Pores — And It's On Sale

Shopping

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

Shopping

This Luxury Moisturizer Is Very Rarely On Sale — So Act Fast

Life

The Nasty Truth About 'Poo Plumes' — And How To Protect Yourself From Them

Shopping

This Palestinian Olive Oil Soap Is The Best I’ve Ever Used

Shopping

The 'Unsexy' Beauty Products That My Algorithm Keeps Suggesting Are Actually Pretty Great

Shopping

Skin Care Gems Reviewers Say Save Them During Flights & Beyond

Shopping

12 Cute And Comfortable Garden Clogs That Aren’t Crocs

Shopping

37 Ways To Make Your Backyard Look Like An 'After' Shot On HGTV

Shopping

HuffPost Readers Love This Ultra-Comfortable Sneaker — And It Just Got An Upgrade

Life

Why Drew Barrymore’s Interview With Kamala Harris Was So Cringey

Parenting

The Most Ridiculous Things People Say To Multiracial Families

Shopping

This Luxury Moisturizer Is Very Rarely On Sale — So Act Fast

Shopping

6 Reasons To Love Your Sam’s Club Membership

Paid for by Sam's Club

Shopping

This Popular Dyson Vacuum Is On Sale At A Surprisingly Low Price

Shopping

These Shoe Inserts Promise Heavy-Duty Support — And They're 30% Off

Shopping

This Magical $5 Gel Banishes Grime From So Many Nooks And Crannies

Shopping

This Incredibly Hydrating French Moisturizer Is Hiding In Plain Sight Online

Shopping

Gabriel García Márquez Wanted His Final Novel Destroyed. Here’s Why His Sons Published It Anyway.

Shopping

This Genius Gadget Lets You Stare At Your Screen Hands-Free, No Arm Strength Required