When emotions, expectations and a person's needs enter into the mix, communication can be quite a challenge indeed. Add to the communication challenge the practical and emotional complexities of a serious illness. Needless to say, the challenge is escalated. Below is a review some of the most common, and suggestions to avoid them. Value Empathy over Sympathy To sympathize with someone, is to feel sorry or sad for them.
Sympathy comes from our own frame of reference.
It may not be in sync with the experience of the other person. Because of this, it can actually impede communication. Connection on an emotional or practical level may not be possible if too much sympathy is activated. We must seek to understand it. Empathy invites communication.