Informational Empath: Post One
Hi, I’m Ben, I’m 17 years old, and I've been an Empath my whole life. I've noticed that many people have questions regarding being an Empath, and the ability of Empathy. This first post that I’m making is purely a personal post, but don’t fret, there is a method to my narcissism. I’m making my personal post the first post so that people can understand my view better when it comes to being an Empath. So instead of making you read a very long introduction paragraph, I’ll just delve into the personal questions.
How and when did you find out about Empathy?
Well, I've been an Empath my whole life. I never really thought anything of it. I was under the impression that everyone had the ability to read people’s emotions. It wasn't until I was about 11 or 12 years old that I found out what the name for my ability was. As far as how I found out what my actual ability was, well I watched Charmed… Yes, I know… Charmed…
Did you have some sort of training?
Not really. Everything I know is self-taught. My brother is actually an Empath as well. We taught each other some things, but nothing big. It was more just channeling what we already had.
Do people around you know about your ability?
Well, yes and no. My direct family, basically yes; my mom knows about it, my sister knows about it, and my one older brother, the one who I practiced with knows about it. As far as my dad and second older brother go, I don’t really talk about it with them. They know some things about it, but they really aren't interested in it.
My friends are a different story. I've always been hesitant to tell people things, even my friends. Most of my friends don’t even know I’m gay, I mean they suspect it, but I hide my Empathy better than other things… So to answer the question, most of my friends find me to be an extremely adapt listener and are surprised at how well I read them, even though they aren't showing it.
What was the best thing you did with it [Empathy]?
I use my Empathy on a daily basis. I’m always listening to people’s problems, taking in their emotions, and even though I’m not the greatest at it, I try and project positive emotions into hurting people. It can be extremely taxing, but it’s worth it. I actually want to become a Psychologist and help people with my Empathy.
What was the worst thing you did with it [Empathy]?
The worst thing I've ever done with Empathy? I’m not going to sit here and say that I’m a good person 24/7. There are times I slip up and use Empathy for the wrong reasons, and I’m not condoning it at all. I wouldn't say that I've done absolutely horrible things with Emapthy, but the bad things I have done are things like giving someone an anxiety attack after they were rude to me (Something I’m actually very sorry for)…
Ever hurt someone on accident?
My ability to project emotions isn't the greatest, but like I said before, I have given someone an anxiety attack before. If I do build enough emotion I can overwhelm others with it, but I've learned my lesson to keep my Empathy under control at all times.
Do you think it makes your life easier or not?
Yes and no. It makes getting things I want easier. I can read people, say things, and then gauge their emotions to see how they react. It’s easier to explain inside my head… But it does make life harder at the same time. Both Receptive and Projective Empathy (Both which will have their own texts posts) come with pros and cons. Since I’m more Receptive I’m under a constant barrage of other’s emotions. I've learned to block a lot of the emotions, but barriers can only take so many hits.
I’m a teenager… Yes, I abuse it at times. But I do have a moral code, and there are certain things I absolutely will not do.
Have you ever been in a close relationship with another Empath [romantic or other]? Describe the experience. Can you read people over the phone/computer/tech in general?
I've never been in a romantic relationship, period. But yes, I do know other Empaths, like my brother. I also know someone who can project emotions. The person I know that can project is Khal (Check out her blog, it’s great!). She puts a lot of emotions in to her posts at times, and I’m not sure if it’s intentional or not, but I do pick up on her a lot. When a Receiver and Projector come together, from my end at least, it’s like a handshake. The connection between the emotions is a lot smoother and just pleasant in general. And yes, if you put enough energy into it, emotions can be read over the internet, or with technology.
Do you combine Empathy with any other practices?
I actually want to study Psychology/Journalism when I’m in college. I want to be able to reach people directly by meeting with them, and counseling them, and helping them through their problems, and I also want to reach people through media, mostly writing. I want to focus on helping teenagers, probably LGBT. I want to write a book similar to “Go Ask Alice” or “Jay’s Journal” to help teenagers.
What was the scariest thing you encountered with it?
Do you know any other 17 year old guy that can say he’s experienced his older sister’s period cramps?
Did it [Empathy] change how you treat people?
Since I've always had Empathy I've always had the mindset of taking other’s emotions into account. Even though it may seem like I don’t care about other’s emotions, I actually do a lot. I try and treat people with respect, just like I would want to be treated.
How did it affect your personal growth?
You learn a lot from experiencing the emotions of other people. The good comes with the bad. I've learned that everyone has feelings, and everyone has a struggle. It’s a personal choice whether you step in and help that person through their struggle. I've also learned that it’s okay to be selfish. When you feel the emotions of other people, you feel like you’re obligated to do something, and sometimes the only thing you can do is feel what they feel, and understand that they might have to face their problems on their own, and you need to focus on yourself, and improve yourself.
I just want to thank everyone for reading my first post. I’m sorry if I was all over the place. I tried to answer the questions as best I could. If you have any other questions feel free to ask me.
