Which of the following best describes being empathetic?

Being empathetic involves being aware of and understanding the feelings and emotions of others. This means not just acknowledging their experiences but also being able to put oneself in their shoes, which enables a deeper connection and support. Empathy goes beyond mere sympathy, which implies feeling sorry for someone; rather, it involves actively engaging with others' emotional states and demonstrating that understanding through actions and words.

In contrast, the other options either lack the depth of engagement required for empathy or describe behaviors that are opposite to being empathetic. For instance, showing kindness while being detached fails to connect emotionally with others. Avoiding discussions about people's feelings indicates a lack of interest or awareness, while only feeling sorry for others misses the crucial aspect of understanding and relating to their emotions appropriately. Thus, being aware and understanding of others' feelings stands as the most accurate representation of empathy.