Beyond the Basics
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?
Sympathy is feeling pity for someone; empathy is understanding and sharing their feelings.
What’s one sign someone is happy?
Smiling
Laughter
...
When you listen to someone’s struggles but feel the urge to jump in and share your story, what are you prioritizing, Ego or Empathy?
Your own ego, not empathy.
What’s an empathetic way to handle someone who is upset with you about being ignored in a social situation?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Apologize and acknowledge their feelings
If you overhear someone gossiping about a mutual friend, how should you handle the situation to maintain your empathy?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Politely redirect the conversation and suggest focusing on positive topics.
What’s the difference between frustration and disappointment — and which tends to last longer?
Frustration is feeling blocked from a goal; disappointment is sadness when expectations aren’t met. Disappointment often lingers longer.
Why is tone of voice often more important than the words being said in understanding someone’s feelings?
Tone reflects emotional context, showing underlying feelings even if words are neutral
If someone tells you they’re upset but you immediately try to “fix” it, is that empathetic?
No, empathy requires listening first before offering solutions.
Someone is crying but says they don’t want help. What’s a respectful thing to do?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Offer comfort with a statement and respect their space.
What does it mean to “validate” someone’s emotions?
Acknowledging their feelings without judgment and confirming their emotional experience is real.
What is the term for the ability to identify and understand someone else’s emotions from their facial expressions - no it is not "empathy"!
Emotional perception
What is the body language cue of crossed arms usually indicating?
Defensiveness or discomfort
Saying “I understand how you feel” when you don’t really understand how they feel is an example of what?
Minimizing or invalidating their emotions.
If a friend is giving you unsolicited advice when you just need to vent, how do you handle it empathetically?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Politely ask them to listen first
If someone’s mood shifts suddenly during a conversation, what’s one thing to do?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Gently check in with them
Why do some people laugh when they feel nervous?
It’s a coping mechanism to hide or manage stress.
Name 4 signs someone is anxious.
Speaking quickly or too softly
Difficulty finding words or stuttering
Avoiding conversations or withdrawing socially
Restlessness or fidgeting
Avoidance of certain situations or places
Pacing or inability to sit still
Nail-biting, hair twirling, or other repetitive movements
Difficulty making eye contact
Constantly seeking reassurance
Increased irritability or frustration
What’s wrong with saying “Get over it”?
It’s dismissive and lacks empathy.
What’s the empathetic way to address someone who has been rude to you?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Remain calm, and express that their words hurt without escalating the situation.
What’s a good way to show respect if someone is talking and you disagree with them?
Listen carefully, wait for them to finish, and then express your point respectfully.
What does emotional contagion mean?
Catching someone else’s mood, like feeling sad after seeing someone cry.
What is a “mask” in emotions?
Hiding true feelings with a fake expression or behavior.
True or False: You can be empathetic and still argue your point in a discussion.
False. Empathy involves understanding the other person’s feelings, not focusing on being right.
You don’t like someone, but they’re upset. What do you do?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Show kindness anyway.
When someone is talking about a struggle they are going through but you’ve never experienced anything similar, how can you still show empathy without coming off as dismissive or patronizing, what should you prioritize in the conversation?
Extra 50 points if you get the correct answer and give an example.
Focus on their emotions rather than the situation itself