Sympathy and bitterness are only similar in that they both harbor a type of emotion. Aside from that, they are two completely opposite concepts. When one is undergoing a tough experience because they are suffering from a loss, they can choose either to accept sympathy from others or be overtaken by bitterness. Before delving into the differences between these concepts we must first define each of them. Sympathy is defined as a form of caring in which feelings are shared with a person suffering from sadness. Bitterness is that which is distasteful, hard to bear, poignant, or painful. This definition can be translated to mental bitterness in which one keeps to the described state of mind as a result of a bad experience.
Many people who experience pain from a loss, a fight, or a rejection choose to dwell on the situation and turn sadness into anger. This bitterness is antisocial, selfish, and insensitive. Those who are bitter alienate themselves from the world. They hold grudges when they should be forgiving. If two friends get into an argument, for example, one may decide that he does not want to speak to the other and will allow his anger to get in the way. Bitterness fosters complaint and gossip. It causes one to be degrading toward the person he is angry with and cut off any connections they once had. Resentment, vengeance and hostility may arise and stay if both parties allow it. If you are like this in any given situation, you may stay this way in any future friendships or relationships you have, which will ultimately cause it to be unhealthy for you emotionally.
If one realizes that they do not want to remain in the misery that they have inflicted upon themselves, they can be open to the sympathy of the other person. When people have sympathy, they are in harmony or in agreement with one another in terms of their feelings. It is better to harbor positive feelings and get rid of the negative feelings that are so eager to prevail. Although having bitterness is the easier route, it does not challenge you to face your fears and release the tension, so taking this path will only lead you to have more pride.
Losing connections with others over petty matters or even matters that are in actuality big deals, will only lead to hatred and constant cynicism. One must learn to forgive and be open to sympathy. If you have sympathy for the person you are in bad terms with, you will be able to understand where he or she is coming from. Keeping an open mind and realizing that all of life's struggles happen to make you stronger, will help to overcome the tension and pain. The feeling of bitterness is bound to creep up on you, but it is up to you to make sure that you will not permit it to obstruct the healthiness of your relationships with others.
