I hear this a lot "don't share similar experiences" when reading sort of articles about this. I agree saying "the same thing happened to me so its not really a special experience" with a positive experience then you are being sort of grating.
But if its a negative experience or something where you are trying to actual support someone or relate to them in a time of trouble, then empathizing by expressing a similar experience is actually helpful. In the depths of grief it is nice to be able to relate to something, because in those times it can feel very very lonely.
Anyway, I am not saying the author is wrong. I think it's important to know the difference, but I am wary of the advice saying to never share your similar experiences in conversation.
But if its a negative experience or something where you are trying to actual support someone or relate to them in a time of trouble, then empathizing by expressing a similar experience is actually helpful. In the depths of grief it is nice to be able to relate to something, because in those times it can feel very very lonely.
Anyway, I am not saying the author is wrong. I think it's important to know the difference, but I am wary of the advice saying to never share your similar experiences in conversation.