To think that most people who call themselves “empaths” are actually just manipulative?

I think “empaths” are people with weak boundaries. Yes they maybe able to pick up that someone in the room is sad, but no that is not their sadness. They are internalising someone else’s emotions as their own, they need to develop stronger boundaries and separate themselves from others.

Haha I'm probably going to get a little flamed for this but I had to Google it and I would say the term empath probably fits me pretty well, but this is why- growing up with a parent with complex mental health issues probably meant I developed skills to read people more closely than other children of my age had to for survival. I'd say I've channeled it pretty well into a career in the community and I have years of my own therapy etc behind me to try to ensure it's healthy- definitely wouldn't describe myself as manipulative, if anything I probably overthink too much about what I'm doing and why and if its the right thing or not! I think for me the key difference is I would definitely pick up straight away if something wasn't right for someone and I'd be very good at guessing what it might be and what I could do to try to either help or support them with it, but I would never say I feel someone's pain - I can see it and I can imagine what it might feel like but it's not my pain and I think if you can't process that personal boundary then yes you're probably in real danger of overstepping and not being self aware enough and you could do some real damage.

I often pick up on an edge in someone's mood or atmosphere in a room but this is because of years of being in a state of hyper awareness

I'm not an empath and would never describe myself as one just a learned behaviour that I now can't switch off. It's only with negative emotions though not positive.

I think some hyper alert people confuse themselves with being an empath. Like the adult children of addicts, who spent years on high alert watching out for a irrational care giver to go off on one. They pick up on micro facial expressions, they sometimes genuinely think they are empath. If I hear it, I think : damaged human being.

I'm not an empath but I can read people's behaviour well enough that I'll often reas between the lines of their behaviour and be spot on, way before others clock on.

The other thing I wonder about people who claim to be really good at picking up other people's emotions and vibes because of their empathetic abilities is do they every check to see if they've actually guessed right?

Oh my gosh..yes! I've a work colleague who in one meeting went on about 'be kind' then launched an attack on me not even stopping when I was visibly upset.

I have only ever known 2 people who described themselves as empaths and they both turned out to be the single most atrociously uncompassionate, judgemental and self-centred people in my life to date.

I now equate ‘empath’ with ‘fucking ginormous red flag’ and will give the next person who describes themselves thus a wide berth. 😂

Some people may be empaths but the people who say they are, it usually means either they're oversensitive and easily offended, or it's a way of saying they'll judge you for not being as sensitive and kind as them. When someone uses the word empath I know they're going to be trouble

Just people who want to make another person's pain all about them. Appalling dickheads to a man.

I think it’s a wanky term that says “I’m super special”

I feel other people’s feelings, cry when they cry, etc. even when watching tv shows. I don’t think I’m magical, just a really overly sensitive person. I’m attuned to bad feelings in a room because my nervous system looks out for danger due to past abuse. It’s more of a hindrance than anything.

My next foor neighbour calls herself an 'empath'

Its plastered all over her social media-along with 'be kind','my inbox is always open','I'm always here if you want to talk' and 'loving mummy to x,y and z'

In reality,she's the biggest narcissistic,nasty,nosey,spiteful,two faced,evil and awful mother I've ever met

The 'kids' are adults and one refuses to speak to her (the other two are up her arse)

My narcissistic mother would call herself one too-she'd do anything for anyone

At a price that's too high to pay for any normal human being

Anyone who calls themselves one sets my bullshit radar off

I was reading something the other day about the traits of an empath and was a bit like, wow, maybe that’s what’s wrong with me?! 😂 I think I probably am one. But never in a million years would I say that aloud to someone. It’s very navel grazing. I think there is probably something a bit off about anyone who protests too much to be a ‘thing’.

I don't believe that there is such a thing as an empath.

God knows why they think they are special and have to tell us so. Practically everyone feels other people's emotions. It's what stops us all being psychopaths. Being an empath usually seems to be an excuse for having no boundaries or resilience and being a grief vulture

I agree. The 2 most manipulative people I know who are always getting people to do things for them both reckon they are empaths. Yet don’t do much for anyone else - strange that!

I disagree.

I think that most people who call themselves “empaths” are actually just twats.

Isn't it a made up thing from Star Trek: The Next Generation?

The self described "empath" I know goes on anti-Israel hate marches.

The person I know who describes themselves as an empath is a genuinely nice person who does seem to see the good in all or most people. He does have zero organisational skills or attention to detail though!

But did you tell everyone about your powers?

They’re like people who say ‘be kind’ all the time - usually the opposite and extremely unkind.

My father calls himself an empath. He isn't, he's a narcissist. It's annoying as hell.

Anyone who calls themself an empath is usually a narcissistic sociopath, IME. It’s normal to feel other people’s emotions, it doesn’t make someone an ‘empath.’

I wouldn’t say there’s any particular link between people who “feel other people’s pain” and manipulative behaviour.