GUILT COMPLEX

(psychology) a largely unconscious idea and feeling related to the belief that one has committed offenses or that one is to blame for things, strongly influencing the individual's behavior. —Clearing Congress No. 1NThe Fact of Clearing Approved Glossary

before you felt sympathy, you offended in some way. You did something. Then you were sorry for it. The offense may have taken place years or only minutes before your sympathy came about. This is the emotional curve of sympathy. It goes from antagonism or anger down to sympathy. This used to be called a "guilt complex." (HFP, pp. 125-126)