An empath is someone who can actually put themselves in another person’s skin.
Rather than simply sympathize with their emotions, they can truly feel what someone else is feeling as if those feelings are their own. Check out the list below to find out if you are a true empath.
1. They can absorb other people’s emotions
Empaths are highly attuned to the good as well as bad moods of other people, sometimes to an extreme. They take on exhausting negativity such as anger or anxiety. But if they are surrounded by love and peace, their bodies take these on and flourish.
2. Many empaths are also introverts
Empaths are overwhelmed by crowds of people, which can amplify their empathy. They tend to be introverted and prefer small groups or one to one contact. Even if an empath is more on the extrovert side they prefer to put limits on how much time they spend in crowds or at parties.
3. Creativity runs through the empath’s veins
The empaths intense emotions and experiences give them a great wealth of materials to express in creative ways. If you’re an empath it is likely that you get frequently inspired because of your feelings.
Some empaths are painters, musicians or writers, while others can be actors, dancers, or bodily expressive in other ways. In many cases, empaths release bottled up emotion through creative acts in healthy, productive ways.
4. Empaths need solitude
Being around people can drain an empath to the point of mental exhaustion, so they periodically require time to recharge their batteries. Even the briefest escape prevents emotional overload. Empaths like to use their own cars when they travel so they can leave when they please.
5. Empaths often neglect their own needs
Empaths can get so dedicated to helping others that they effectively begin to tune out their own needs. If taken to the extreme, this can lead to self-neglect and cause you to become physically or emotionally unwell. In order to live a happy, fulfilling life, an empath needs to deliberately spend time noticing their own thoughts and feelings. 20 minutes of daily meditation can help with this and cultivate the habit of self-reflection.
6. Empaths are good at detecting lies
As an empath, generally, you’ll benefit from the ability to spot lies in other people. For example, it will help you make clear decisions about whether or not to trust someone with a secret. In addition, it’ll also help you to protect your loved ones from liers. The negative side of being a human lie detector is that it makes you see through someone when you’d rather stay in the dark. Even though it’s helpful, this can be painful.
7. Empaths are great listeners
Unsurprisingly, often the friends and family of empaths report that they are incredible listeners. No one is better putting themselves in other people’s shoes than someone who intuitively picks up emotions.
Empaths are often great at putting a loved one’s feelings into words, making them feel respected, understood and less lonely. As a result, empaths are often drawn towards careers that involve listening, (for example psychological counseling or teaching).
Do you recognize yourself in this list? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
