I suppose it's all in where it's coming from and how you approach others. For example seeing someone terminally ill or struggling with past trauma doesn't mean we need to feel sorry for them. I think wanting to help others is just part of caring. Sometimes people just need to know someone does care and accept them regardless. You can empathize with someone and not pity them or feel better than them. Just like people can pity others and hate themselves inside. One is about acceptance and the other is about denial. Love vs fear. At least that's how I see it.