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I would say that I was/am sympathetic, not empathetic. I recognize that it's a tragedy for them, but I don't feel similar emotions.

I'm curious if the reason behind such vocalization is because very few people actually feel empathy. A facade for their feelings of joy/relief that such things didn't occur to someone they know.

I, as you probably guessed, don't have any children. I presume my feelings on the subject would be different if that weren't the case.

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with respect (i am speaking retro-introspectively)- i cannot understand how recognizing that your feelings would change with perspective isn't enough in and of itself to change them.

to me, admitting your feelings would change with perspective is admitting you simply cannot relate to what these people are going through. if your lack of empathy is derived from the inability to relate- that seems awfully selfish.

but at the same time, "i cannot pretend to relate with what these people are going through" sounds refreshingly empathetic if you ask me.

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