What does 'sympathy' refer to?

The term 'sympathy' refers to the feeling of caring about someone's troubles. This encapsulates an emotional response where one acknowledges another person's feelings, often accompanied by a desire to provide support or comfort. Sympathy involves an understanding of someone else's distress and can manifest in acts of kindness or compassion.

While other options suggest alternative responses to others' emotions, they do not capture the essence of sympathy as effectively. Indifference implies a lack of concern, suggesting the opposite of sympathy. Proposing solutions or criticizing behavior are more active stances that don't center on emotional support or shared understanding. Thus, the correct choice focuses on the compassionate, caring aspect associated with feeling sympathy for someone in a difficult situation.