What does "empathy" primarily involve?

"Empathy" primarily involves understanding and entering into another's feelings. This means being able to recognize and resonate with the emotions that others are experiencing. Empathy is not just about acknowledging these feelings but also involves an emotional connection that allows one to grasp the context of another person's experience. By doing so, individuals can foster deeper relationships, support others in times of need, and create an overall environment of compassion.

The other options do not capture the essence of empathy. For instance, expressing disdain for others' emotions runs counter to the very nature of empathy, which is rooted in acceptance and understanding. Concealing one's own feelings suggests a lack of emotional engagement, which is contrary to the open and receptive stance that empathy embodies. Judging others based on their emotions also contradicts empathy, as it implies a distance or a critical stance rather than a genuine effort to connect with and understand what another is going through. Thus, the focus of empathy is fundamentally about connection, support, and understanding the emotional landscape of others.