"Being in someone else's shoes"

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Now this is a phrase we often connect to or use when we want to describe how we would feel or react to a situation if we were involved in the particular situation being discussed. But, While using this phrase have you ever tried to actually place yourself in the person's shoes. What I mean here is :- Say a friend got slapped. Would you visualise yourself getting slapped and actually feel it ? or In a narration of an argument, would you try to feel those heated emotions overcoming people along with your thoughts on the subject. I keep trying to do it and it sure makes it that much more interesting.