Explain how to express my sympathy to girls, should I give them gifts or what?*
When you progress their quests you unlock dating them. This progresses your relationship. At the end of a date you can also offer a gift, which increases the speed in which you improve the relationship.
I don't understand at all what I need to do, just go on a date with them, and gifts are not necessary?
Correct, gifts are optional. They just speed up the progress.
