Girl Talk: Empaths/Empathy?

[[.Volatile.]]

We need to have some fun stuff that's not in the subforums so I'm going to start with something called Girl Talk, where we pretty much share our opinions on things.

So my question is:
Do you believe in being an empath? Do you feel the emotions of others? How do you prevent getting affected by these emotions?  

[OokamixHime]

Glad I decided to check the forums after seeing your announcement from the other day

It's a real thing to me. Though I don't know if I am one exactly, I have felt the effect of person's mood before and it can bring me higher or lower on a mood scale depending who I was around.

As for the prevention, I haven't tried anything for negative moods (but I believe a proper crystal/stone should help keep those at bay) but the positive ones I have to tone down. I've been in situations where there's been so much going on and the feelings and energy of the people around me effects me (even if I already am a bit energized by the fun myself) so once I notice myself getting swept along I kind of have to go into a little reflection mode and mentally calm myself. Otherwise I'd probably burn out of energy so much more quickly  

[[.Volatile.]]

I agree! I work at a bar -and- at a metaphysical shop, so it's like constant emotional barrage. The intensity is consistent, haha. So I am always looking for ways to taper down the intensity of the people around me. There's always a big bubble of emotions I'm walking through, and It's difficult to help these people and not get it all on ya, you know?  

[fluffypanda933]

It depends for me.... Like i feel others feelings.. and i feel for others. But I also work at a fast food place and I am a manager. Every day I meet wonderful people but there is also the assholes.
But its a 50/50 for me I would say.

yum_strawberry yum_strawberry yum_strawberry yum_strawberry  

[OokamixHime]

[.Volatile.]

I agree! I work at a bar -and- at a metaphysical shop, so it's like constant emotional barrage. The intensity is consistent, haha. So I am always looking for ways to taper down the intensity of the people around me. There's always a big bubble of emotions I'm walking through, and It's difficult to help these people and not get it all on ya, you know?

That happens XD

It reminds me of some people I knew that looking back on it, always felt so draining to be aorund and maybe that was partially my fault for being around them and not knowing much about the spiritual stuff as I've come to learn. I mean i still have a lot of learning to do but I like to think I'm a bit more knowledgeable than I was in my crummy teen years.

I feel better when I can become more aware of it, though sometimes it slips my mind and I can't block it out as much as I should but I often wear a carnelian necklace or fire opal to work and those seem to help me negate some stuff.  

[Green_crayon42]

I'm just a very highly emotional person anyway.
But yes, I think I can catch onto others feelings. My family are all introverts, so I'm used to quiet feelings and seeing emotions shown but not expressed verbally.  

[Bunniegurl123]

For me, it depends on the other person. I usually have to feel close to them. But I had an ex who even if I hadn't seen him for days, I knew exactly how he was feeling. It was weird.  

[Mikurotsukami]

I am definitely an empath, born one it seems like. I grew up moving homes, towns, schools more than twice a year at times. Ive been through too many negative things and do not trust easily. It became a defense mechanism. I also grew up around things like Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Metaphysics, Bhuddism and Hinduism. I also have a twin sister, which really bloomed this empathy. (So many stories about that)

When I realized how bad it was during high school, and so overwhelmed by others' emotions/intuitive intentions that I became extremely introverted, I tried to ignore it and 'turn it off'. This ended up being a huge mistake for me... I was molested more than once because I ignored the signs I was feeling from another person, despite their seemingly innocent behavior and actions. I decided to use it to avoid dangerous places, situations, and people. On a lighter note, I tend to become overjoyed and happy when others around me are, and Im really good with babies/kids! All the positive and negative emotions of others are contagious to me like year round allergies.

For example, another positive is my first time at a concert I was not even interested in the music but felt the euphoria of everyone in the crowd singing/dancing with the music, and was deeply moved by it. It can be a beautiful thing too. Its a bit overwhelming at times so Im often secluded from society. Its like intuition x1000, and involuntary.

Also, I apologize if this is in any way triggering to anyone, let me know if my words are too straightforward... redface

I have no question about being an empath and it has evolved from a belief to a truth, a part of who I am by now. Its a blessing and a curse, really.