Building upon my recent post, one real problem is that the faucet broke. This is a real problem because it’s a real observable problem. Not some negative thought they can’t resolve in their head. This causes them pain as the broken faucet is a mental burden, not just a physical one. Attempts to solve this problem have been seeking an alternative water source, such as water from the restroom.
I have gotten first hand understanding of the suffering caused by this broken faucet, as I am affected by it everyday. Since I eat dinner mostly at home, and I have a habit of washing my hands in the kitchen before I eat, it is without a doubt more work. However, I just wash my hands, and I think that’s inconvenient. My mom cooks, which is much more difficult. I can gain empathy by cooking something myself, and see for myself how truly painful cleaning a frying pan in the small bathroom sink is. That is something I will do, to truly understand their suffering.