Why do people say "I know how you feel"? Have you ever said it? Do you mean it?
2007-10-15 03:41:44 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I only say it in situations where I really do know how the person feels.
In a situation where say.....someone was shot and paralyzed in Iraq, I don't know how they feel, so why should I tell them I do? I don't think it's right to do so.
In a situation where they've been cheated on, or they've lost someone, I'll say it because I know what it's like to be cheated on, or to lose someone.
Personally, I think some people say "I know how you feel" when they truly don't because they are trying to get out of the conversation, it's hard to believe your own friend or family member would do so, but people do it all the time.
2007-10-15 04:09:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people are trying to tell you that you are not alone when you feel that way. Most have probably been there and done that and feel they can quite rightly tell you they have been through it too, other's can only imagine but still feel the pain or anguish you may be feeling at the time. It's a way human's try to help others.
2007-10-15 10:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by saffron1463 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only say it when I mean it. And yes, it happens to find a person who feels the same way I do.
2007-10-15 10:49:21 · answer #3 · answered by Analyst 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when people say that, it's just a way of making the person feel better... they might have an idea about how you feel but it doesn't necessarily follow that they know the intensity or the real degree of your feelings... you are the only one who could feel the exact same way that you do...
2007-10-15 11:15:04 · answer #4 · answered by sayu13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I try to only say it if it is a situation that i have been in. If someone is talking about something that I have never experienced i think its kind of stupid to say oh i know how you feel, well um no you dont......
2007-10-15 10:45:49 · answer #5 · answered by Sherie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes if I really think I have been in their shoes. I will say it but it is not a common phrase that I just throw out there.
2007-10-15 15:14:24 · answer #6 · answered by teresa m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are doing their best to express their sympathy/empathy. most people just accept that and don't try to tear apart the words/meaning.
2007-10-15 10:48:27 · answer #7 · answered by no qf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends what has happened if that thing has happened to me, then i say i know how you feel because i do, but i wouldnt say it unless i menat it!!
2007-10-15 11:33:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋