Unlock the Power of Compassion: 8 Unexpected Ways to Show Empathy Without Saying "Sorry"
4) “I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you”
Sometimes, we encounter situations that are beyond our own experiences. We meet people who are going through something we’ve never faced, and it can be challenging to express empathy.
In these instances, authenticity is key.
There’s no need to pretend you understand exactly how they feel if you’ve never been in their shoes. Instead, you can say, “I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you.”
This phrase acknowledges the person’s struggle and admits your limitations in understanding their experience fully.