I am a bit conflicted about your point of view, to be honest. When I share something tough that I'm going through with someone, I clam up if the listener responds with their own story, shifting the focus to themselves. I understand the difference between sympathy and empathy but, in some situations, there are no words and simply acknowledging someone's struggle and sitting with them is all we can do.
"I Am Sorry That Happened to You" (Sympathy vs. Empathy)
I am a bit conflicted about your point of view, to be honest. When I share something tough that I'm going through with someone, I clam up if the listener responds with their own story, shifting the focus to themselves. I understand the difference between sympathy and empathy but, in some situations, there are no words and simply acknowledging someone's struggle and sitting with them is all we can do.