Empathy and Sympathy

Whilst comparing empathy and sympathy I struggled to understand the two. I comprehended the literal definition however I felt as if I could not apply these subjects to my life. I struggled to remember times in which I was needing the comfort and support that empathy and the care that sympathy provides. I had never lost anyone close or encounterd a mental obstacle that was so monstrous that I needed support, but thinking about this made me question why it is that i could not find an severe memory. I knew my life wasn't perfect and not always happy, so i had a dilemma. Why can't I associate myself with these simple concepts, The problem was that i failed to realize that a major event does not have to occur to have a strong sense of empathy. Empathy apply to everyone and all situations. To truly understand empathy think of a situation where someone has a emotional feeling recognizable by those around him, that feeling of joy, love, sorrow, or pity that you share with that person, the emotional connection, that is empathy. To be sympathetic is to feel sorrow for him.  Theresa Brown simplified this life concept in her book I Thought It Was Just Me. To be empathetic is to "see" things in the way of others. To shove away your problems and think about their problems.