Is it bad to be this way?

[RoseColouredLunettes]

I was recently made aware by someone I don't know very well that I don't seem to care about anything. Although they meant it as a compliment, because they think I'm a positive, happy and content person, their words did make me wonder whether or not they are right. I think they are. For example, I don't know much about what goes on at my workplace unless things directly affect me. I also don't read the news, consume social media much (only to stay in contact with family and friends) or get involved in other people's problems and business. I also don't enjoy reading much, because I generally just don't care what others have to say (unless I love and care about them).

Is it bad that I don't care about much outside of my own bubble and social circle? I don't know why I feel like I probably should care more. But I also can't think of what I would really benefit from doing so? As things are now, I am indeed positive, happy and content with my life. I'm not a bad or malicious person towards anybody, I just mind my own business a lot more than the average person, I guess.

You do sound as if you are somewhat lacking in empathy, op.

I don’t think that’s quite right. OP may be lacking in faux sympathy on social media, but that’s quite different to lacking empathy I reckon

OP, I feel quite similar to you. I am empathetic when needed but just don't worry about the things some people get sp worked up about.

Coronavirus - we'll do our bit and eventually things will be ok.
Brexit - what will be will be.
Elections - vote but there's nothing you can do after that about who wins.
Office politics - I keep out of it.
If something doesnt directly affect me, I generally ignore it.

However I do watch the news, read a lot and love a gossip with my friends, just not about huge worldy issues.

@Ponoka7 Has put in well.

No one can care about everything all of the time of course, but to have an “I’m all right Jack” attitude really is a lack of compassion and empathy for fellow human beings that I find hard to comprehend.

I don't seem to care about anything Do you know what prompted your colleague/friend to say that? Did they ask your opinion on a current affair or an issue of their own?

Don't you want to join in with conversations about news, current issues? Wouldn't you rather be able to make informed decisions and to form your own opinions based on what you've read?

This comment; I generally don't care what others have to say is jarring. I don't think I've ever met anyone like that. It seems rather cold not to be interested or care about the wider community, and the world.

My youngest sister is a bit like this. She doesn't lack empathy- she'd help someone who'd fallen in the street for example. She's a kind person. However, she'll happily watch Hollyoaks and never look at the news or take interest in current affairs.

The result is that a lot of her opinions are based on hearsay, something one of her friends has said. She's also fairly gullible and won't question things. Just a lack of critical thought. Some of this is perhaps just immaturity I think.

One example is when I spoke to her about a possible vaccine for CV. She was very uninformed and her opinion was based on things she'd heard rather than actual information.

My husband is totally like this and it works for him. He says as long as his close family/ friends are happy then he’s happy. Hates drama and getting involved in others bs. I sometimes think he’s a bit cold but mostly just jealous of his black and white attitude. I also know a colleague like this and she’s very happy too.

@shoogal don’t think anyone is suggesting they like ‘drama and getting involved in other people’s bs’ just that it’s hard to fathom having zero interest in politics, the news and things that affect humanity - which we’re all part of. In my opinion it’s healthy to care about things beyond ones own personal happiness.

Everyone is different.
Not sure why you wrote this thread if you don't care what people outside your immediate social circle think?
I'm not sure why you are on social media connecting with strangers if what you say is true?

I agree with what Ponoka7 wrote.
I would consider someone like you very shallow and not interested in the betterment of society and humankind.
I would also like you were soulless if you weren't interested in arts & culture (providing you had the resources to have leisure time).
But you don't care about my opinion and you wouldn't know that's how I would judge you if you didn't ask on this thread** (and I probably am a snob).

I'm not really sure whether to be envious or irritated to be honest, I know people like this and I find it impossible to have a conversation with them unless I am happily intoxicated. The social media stuff I can understand, but I simply cannot imagine not knowing or caring what is coming around the corner because at some point, life and the world will affect you one day.
In the mean time, big (protective) hugs to you .

I suppose I do wonder if people like you get bored but I guess it's normal for you so no.