I think most people can sympathize, but its not an absolving feeling either. I can sympathize with the hard life a single mom is going through. This doesn't mean I approve of her actions nor believe that the blame isn't still squarely on her regardless. I'm certain almost anyone can manage that level of sympathy, as its basic human morality.
But that's what people want. They want your positive emotions, but without any judgement. Which is what "empathy" means to them. Its a woman explaining how she cheated but wants you to think of her as a victim anyway and tell her her reasonings as valid.
I think most people can sympathize, but its not an absolving feeling either. I can sympathize with the hard life a single mom is going through. This doesn't mean I approve of her actions nor believe that the blame isn't still squarely on her regardless. I'm certain almost anyone can manage that level of sympathy, as its basic human morality.
But that's what people want. They want your positive emotions, but without any judgement. Which is what "empathy" means to them. Its a woman explaining how she cheated but wants you to think of her as a victim anyway and tell her her reasonings as valid.
Its pure woman logic behind the word.