What is empathy?

Empathy is defined as the ability to recognize and strive to understand the emotions and feelings of another person. It involves not only an awareness of the other person's emotional state but also an effort to connect with those feelings on a deeper level. This capability is crucial in many fields, especially in healthcare and customer service, where understanding a patient's or a customer's emotional needs can significantly enhance the quality of care or service provided.

In the context of this question, the correct answer highlights the essence of empathy: it’s about creating a connection with another's feelings, rather than simply acknowledging them or reacting to one's own feelings. This is why empathy is often contrasted with mere emotional detachment or analytical thinking, which focuses less on emotional connection and more on understanding feelings from a distance or through logical reasoning. Therefore, the ability to recognize and try to feel what the other person feels is foundational to effective communication and interpersonal relationships.