What does empathy allow an individual to do?

Empathy allows an individual to understand and share the feelings of another, which involves recognizing and appreciating someone else's emotional experience. This deepens interpersonal connections and fosters compassion and support. When someone practices empathy, they can relate to others' emotions—whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or fear—creating a bond that can lead to improved communication and mutual understanding. This ability to connect on an emotional level is essential in fostering healthy relationships, whether in personal interactions or professional settings.

The other options do not capture the essence of empathy. Critiquing others’ emotions can create distance rather than connection, and ignoring emotional responses overlooks the importance of emotional awareness. Manipulating others' feelings deviates from the genuine intention behind empathy, which is to connect and support rather than exploit someone else's emotional state.