@Isobel Archer
Having been here for many years, it has been my experience, that when someone says something I think outlandish or comes at me with an unreasonable statement, or I detect anger directed toward me from the start, I will not pursue a long conversation with them. It never turns out well. Let people think what they will...they will anyway!!!!
I do thank you for your support and understanding. There is a great article on the English Grammar website on "empathy verses sympathy". The last paragraph really puts it in layman terms so it is understandable. There is also a good one on Psychology Today website. Empathizing actually is a deeper form of compassion. I studied this years ago and that is why I use that word and like it better....... except in cases of death.
I tried to copy it on my blank post but it didn't work and I didn't try again. I guess I thought at this point, peoples minds were set and wouldn't be open to read it. You might like it though. Almost everything you said made great sense to me and is mentioned in these articles. I'm with you on this one! My (unasked for) advice would be to end it. God knows what's in your heart. That's the most important thing and I don't want to see you hurt.