Anthony,

I have to thank you for this post for I am guilty of this. I understand that empathy acknowledges and validates experience; sympathy perpetuates it.

But, as a new member and new to a PTSD diagnosis, it takes time to understand what I"m experiencing. This understanding, in turn, will provide the basis I need to accurately reflect the experience of others. It is hard for new people to know how to interact. Sympathy, therefore, may be all us newbies are capable of.

Your post has certainly brought me into check and for this I'm grateful, but I'm glad I was shown patience.



Paul