Simply put, empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes to their feelings exactly. Empathy enables you to communicate effectively and build stronger relationships.
You might have been persuaded to purchase a particular brand of shampoo by a television commercial, changed your mind about an important issue by a speech you heard, or chosen a major in college by a guidance counselor.
Most people fear turning down others' requests for various reasons, including to avoid upsetting emotions, disappointing people, or damaging relationships.