Why Being Empathetic Isn't Always A Good Thing

[MatthewGoodman]

Empathy - The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Sounds like a nice trait to have, huh? The answer is yes. Having empathy is vital for knowing how others feel. It can help you understand a person more. It allows us to flourish in a socially driven world. Not to mention if you want to be a social worker, empathy is going to be very important. With all it's positives you might be wondering "what is he talking about? How can having empathy not be a good thing?" Well, you see, some of us are a little too empathetic and this can lead to some internal conflicts at times. Being an empath (an empathetic person) I know several of these problems far too well.

1) Getting Bogged Down

An empath feeds off of people's emotions. When an empath is constantly around sad people, they may adopt their emotions. An empath could even be having a good day, but when they spend time around sad people, they too start to feel sad.

2) Exhausting

When an empath is around people with mixed emotions, sad, mad, happy, etc. it can be emotionally draining and they won't be able to help people to their fullest ability.

3) Manipulative People

We have all come across those people who merely see us as a means to an end. It is these kind of people that can be particularly dangerous for an empath. They know that if they can make the empath feel bad, then they can exploit that to their advantage. This can put a lot of strain on empaths, and in many cases, the empath is completely oblivious that they are being manipulated.

4) Can't Always Help

There are times when an empath can help an individual. Often times this can lead to the empath feeling bad or even guilty that they couldn't help. They may start thinking about or worrying about the other person and may become distracted.

I am not saying that being an empathetic person is bad, I am just saying that maybe some of us can be a little less empathetic at times, for our own sake. If you are an empath, do you agree? Is there anything that I missed? I hope you all enjoyed. And as always, thanks for reading.

[RasmusAiken]

Sociopaths (who have no problems of dealing with empathy) will sometimes tell you that they have no emotional roadblocks in getting things done. They either feel no empathy or can switch it off at will and proceed with their agenda.
If you're trying to build an interstate road system it helps if you don't have to consider the feelings of the millions of people who will be displaced from their homes and businesses.

[InTimoreDei]

I was diagnosed with sociopathy. I either turn my empathy off, feel no empathy for someone, or have trouble feeling empathy for someone that I should feel empathy for. I'd rather this than be too empathetic though.

[GinaTina]

I consider myself to be very empathetic though, I don't let myself be manipulated nor feel helpless when I can't help people, but I think sometimes it does get in the way of a good time with my boyfriend, because I remember things from a movie or from a friend I spoke with earlier that were sad, then I start crying and feeling a little down lol

[ParadoxicallyDorky]

Ouch... that hit a little too close to home. I've been told I'm nice to a fault, to the point that it hurts me. I am still working on that---taking care of myself and not getting caught up in someone else's emotional roller coaster ride. Good MyTake, though. Thanks for sharing :)

[EpicDweeb]

Yes... all of these are true. I was in a relationship with a girl who constantly struggled with anxiety and depression... and I am an empath. I feel and sense the emotions of others very powerfully and it wore on me in a way that I simply couldn't handle.

Even so... I still don't want to give up that ability. I'd rather suffer and help others through their pain than be all content and happy knowing others are miserable.

[YourFutureEx]

Obviously, you should be empathetic only to the ones who deserve it and be empathetic only if you don't feel forced.

by the way, after reading this take, don't you think it's time to change? @EmpatheticLady :P

[EmpatheticLady]

Oh, it fucking sucks being empathetic some days. It's not really a pick and choose thing. I'm like it with everyone and give people more chances than they probably deserve because I can understand why they do the things they do.

[YourFutureEx]

@EmpatheticLady you have a very nice bad habit :)

[Porcelaine]

I'm extremely empathetic, I've always wanted to be able to read and understand people. And now that I do it sucks, I wasn't prepared for what they were thinking and feeling. ;]] but still better than not knowing their true intentions

[Iron_Virtus]

It's so easy to say that it's a bad thing, but it's also a rarity, it's so much easier to be desensitized. I mean Create distance and boundaries, because you shouldn't be getting manipulated or feeling horrible because you can't help. There should be a middle road.

[Anonymous]

funny I'm reading this. Just messaged a 26 yr old complaining out loud on FB about his girl problems and how heart broken he is. Told him to NEVER post that shit publicly, but he is welcome to call me.

He's oversensitive, but it takes one to know one. So talked to him and calmed him down. In the process I FELT BETTER about the girly bullshit I'm going through in my own life.

I usually don't reach out to help people but in this situation, I felt better for having empathy.

[azzntittiz]

I've had this issue all my life, but it's turned me cold eventually.

[azzntittiz]

@vqu67265 lol, no I'm a professional whore and Fashion designer, both recession proof careers

[monkeynutts]

But you make up for it by wearing skimpy little bathing suits. So I sweat a little when I see your pictures.

[SaskiaBlueRaySoul]

hi I've followed you for p. m chat if you decide to xx

[monkeynutts]

I'm something totally different, psychopaths don't feel empathy. So I understand them but I'm not one of those either. It's hard to have strong emotions sometimes.

[Ahsthen]

Empathic is the ability to perceive others' feelings. Understanding is a separate facility. Grokking is an elevated capacity.

[Anonymous]

This is so true!!! Personally.. I am a really empathetic person... to a fault...

[Anonymous]

Well. of course we shouldn't empathize with bad people. Sometimes the best form of empathy is a good swift kick in the fanny.

[ShesAmerican]

I'm understanding but never understood

[2opaz]

The realest shit i've ever read

[Anonymous]

I totally agree, great mytake!

[soleil2666]

Too true

[Nahid1234]

YEA.