You don’t have to absorb everyone’s emotions to be empathetic. Learn the difference between understanding others and drowning in their feelings.
The story
Ever feel like you’re drowning in other people’s emotions? I used to think empathy meant absorbing everyone’s feelings until I was an emotional wreck.
Here’s what I learned: real empathy isn’t about feeling what others feel. That’s just emotional chaos waiting to happen.
The problem? Most of us confuse empathy with emotional absorption. We think being a good person means taking on everyone else’s pain. Wrong move.
The solution is what I call cognitive empathy – understanding without drowning. You get their perspective without losing yourself in their drama.
Here’s the core principle: own your feelings. Others can trigger emotions in you, but they can’t control how you respond unless you let them.
The big no-nos? Stop trying to judge, blame, or control how others react. You can influence feelings, but people choose their own responses.
This isn’t about being cold. It’s about being helpful without burning out. When your friend is upset, you understand their pain without making it yours.
I dive deep into this in Chapter 3 of “A Practical EmPath Rewire Your Mind.” It’s all about building real connections without the emotional exhaustion.
Want to help others effectively? Start by protecting your own emotional space first.
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