By Maida Paulino de Almeida Lima
Hello everyone,
Today, I would like to talk about something that is deeply important in our daily lives but often overlooked; “empathy”.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, even when we are not experiencing the same situation ourselves. It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes, imagining their thoughts, their fears, their hopes, and their pain. It means seeing the world through their eyes, even just for a moment.
Many people confuse empathy with sympathy. While both involve emotions, they are not the same. Sympathy is when you feel sorry for someone from a distance like saying, “Oh, that’s too bad!” Empathy, on the other hand, draws us closer. It’s not just acknowledging another person’s feelings; it’s feeling with them. It’s about connection, not just concern.
Let me give a few simple examples. Imagine your friend is sad because they had a rough day. Sympathy might lead you to say, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” Empathy goes a step further. You sit with them, listen closely, and say, “I can see this really hurts. I’m here for you.” When a classmate is nervous about an exam, empathy means remembering how it feels to be anxious and offering words of comfort or support rather than brushing it off.
Empathy isn’t just about helping individuals. It plays a powerful role in shaping our relationships, our communities, and even the world. When we practise empathy, we become better friends, kinder classmates, and more compassionate human beings. Empathy helps reduce bullying, calms conflicts, and clears up misunderstanding. It teaches us patience, tolerance, and the importance of truly hearing one another.
In a world that can sometimes feel harsh or rushed, empathy reminds us of our shared humanity. A single kind word, a few minutes of listening, or simply being present for someone can make a huge difference in their life. These small acts of empathy can brighten someone’s day or even change their life.
So let’s all make an effort to be more empathetic. Let’s listen more, judge less, and show people that they are seen and heard. Because in the end, empathy is not just a feeling, it’s a powerful force that brings us together.
Lima is of Premier International School Wuse 2, Abuja
