"Empath" means "self-obsessed woo-accredited fool" ...

[SuziQuatrosFatNan]

... doesn't it?

OOps, Donald Trump kind not kin, that's a whole different soap opera.

Do you think empathy is a luxury of civilisation?

No, it's a primitive skill that humans, along with other apes, possess.

As above. It's hardwired for survival.

That'll be me then!

@EscapeDragon

If someone swans about telling all and sundry that they're an empath and wants a pat on the back for being such a star, then yes.

Otherwise no.

I'm an empath, and a wise elder. I don't swan though, no need for a pat. Just cross my palm with a £20 note and a silver coin of your choice (5p if you want)

Everybody picks up on other people's energy.
But not to the same degree.

@DeepThinkingGirl

No. It means being able to understand feelings seperate than your own and respecting it and appreciating it.

Not many people can do that. I understand why you would be envious

Ha ha ha.

Op’s point made.

But not to the same degree.
True, but that doesn't mean some people are special humans with magic powers. They're just better at reading people's body language and cues.

There's no gold star or round of applause for demonstrating interpersonal skills that most people have, certainly not when the person claiming to be gifted at reading people and picking up on their energy fails to realise that nobody wants to hear about how draining it is being a super special sub group of human.

But in reality have you ever heard anyone describe themselves as an empath because I haven't?

@JaneJeffer

But in reality have you ever heard anyone describe themselves as an empath because I haven't?

Yes.

She wanted to be my friend, but (and I'm not proud of this) I had to fade her. She was so self absorbed, needy and woo (she wanted to treat my dying cat with crystals) that I simply couldn't bear it, and it was taking every ounce of strength not to be rude in response.

@JaneJeffer

But in reality have you ever heard anyone describe themselves as an empath because I haven't?

Yes, I mentioned it earlier in the thread.

@JaneJeffer

But in reality have you ever heard anyone describe themselves as an empath because I haven't?

On here, several times. In real life, thankfully no.

In Ireland people would file that under ‘notions’.

saraclara

I don’t see that as empathy ?! That’s just odd behaviour.

Empathy would be someone who was over invested to listening to you venting about your cat and then go and cry themselves to sleep.

@DeepThinkingGirl

saraclara

I don’t see that as empathy ?! That’s just odd behaviour.

Empathy would be someone who was over invested to listening to you venting about your cat and then go and cry themselves to sleep.

The self-proclaimed empath rarely shows true empathy. That's the point.

Empathy would be someone who was over invested to listening to you venting about your cat and then go and cry themselves to sleep.

That is not empathy.

In Ireland people would file that under ‘notions’.
Probably why I've never heard it then

Has anyone read The Secret Life of Bees? Good description of an empath.

Totally accept some are more attuned to empathy than others. I have heard some describe themselves as an empath - selling services/odd form of something between medium/counsellor. Always think ‘charlatan’ along with mediums and their ilk.

@DeepThinkingGirl

saraclara

I don’t see that as empathy ?! That’s just odd behaviour.

Empathy would be someone who was over invested to listening to you venting about your cat and then go and cry themselves to sleep.

I mentioned her other behaviours as a side issue. She claimed to be an empath. I found that sort of thinking almost arrogant. "I know how you feel and I'm feeling it with you but even stronger because I'm SO sensitive" when she clearly didn't know how I was feeling. It's basically as self-absorbed as you can get.

@DioneTheDiabolist

Empathy would be someone who was over invested to listening to you venting about your cat and then go and cry themselves to sleep.

That is not empathy.

But a self-proclaimed empath would think it was. That's what is so annoying.

Well that person obviously has some issues, empath or not.

@IbrahimaRedTwo

It can also be a bloody pain in the arse to pick up on everyone's energy!

Everybody picks up on other peoples "energy". Its human behaviour. You're not better at it, you're not special. If you think you have a special ability, you are deluding yourself.
Not talking about it is a good idea, because it is a pile of tosh and you will look very silly.
(you do get that where you think you are reading other peoples energy in your special way, you're just actually projecting on to them?)

I don't think I'm better than anyone.

I don't think I'm special.

I never discuss it with anyone because when you come on online forums it clearly gives people the utter rage.

I think I'm an empath and i hate it. I soak up others feelings too easy. Its wearing. But I'd never tell anyone.

I'm an empath, and a wise elder.

😂😂😂

I'd hoped to be a wise elder but I think I'm past it now.

I do think the reaction here towards the term “empath” is totally aggressive.