What is a potential danger of stating "I know exactly how you feel" to someone?

Stating "I know exactly how you feel" can inadvertently invalidate someone's unique emotional experience. Each person's feelings and responses to situations are shaped by their individual perspectives, histories, and circumstances. By implying that you have a complete understanding of their feelings, you risk minimizing their experience and suggesting that your own feelings are equivalent to theirs, which can diminish their emotional reality and potentially make them feel unheard or dismissed.

Authentic communication in a supportive role involves acknowledging and validating the individual's specific feelings without projecting one's own experiences onto them. This fosters a safe space for the person to express themselves and allows for a more meaningful connection that recognizes their individuality.