Jelena Dincic
Do you find yourself crying tears of joy when you find out your friend is getting married or having a baby?
Do you completely fall apart when a dog dies in a movie?
Do people keep telling you that you’re too sensitive?
Well, sounds to me like your empathy level is off the charts!
But hey, that’s a good thing! Empathy is a powerful force that connects us to others – it’s what makes us human.
Let’s take a look at the 10 signs that your empathy is on another level.
1) You can’t stand to see anyone suffer
I’m talking about people you know as well as complete strangers.
Whether it’s in real life or in a movie, there’s no way you can see someone in any kind of physical or emotional pain and not be affected by it.
But that’s not all, you also feel the suffering of animals, which is why you’re probably vegetarian or vegan.
You probably also bring sick animals home to nurse them back to health, am I right? (I can’t be the only one!)
Here’s the thing, a person with a “normal” amount of empathy will feel bad for a moment and go on with their life, but not you.
That brings me to my next point. Because your empathy is off the charts …
2) You have a strong desire to help others
But it’s not just a desire, you actually do help!
It doesn’t matter if you’re on your way to work or to meet some friends or even if you have a doctor’s appointment, if someone needs your help, you’ll stop and see what you can do for them.
If someone is hungry, you’ll buy them something to eat.
If they’re cold, you’ll get them a blanket.
If your friends have a newborn and haven’t slept in days, you’ll offer to babysit.
Did I mention you bring home wounded animals?
That’s what next-level empathy is all about!
There’s no way you can just ignore someone’s plea for help. I guess it’s partly because…
3) You feel responsible for making the world a better place
Now, you don’t think you’re solely responsible for making the world a better place, you think we all have a collective responsibility to do whatever we can to make a positive change.
Whether it’s helping your friends and family out, advocating for social justice causes, voting, volunteering, going vegan, or simply being kind and compassionate in your daily interactions with people, you believe that you have the power and responsibility to make a positive impact on the world around them.
One thing’s for sure, you’re doing your part!
4) You work hard to create an inclusive environment
The truth is that there are a lot of people out there who are close-minded and intolerant. They don’t like anyone who is different from them and can be pretty judgmental, closed-off, and even mean to anyone who isn’t like them.
That’s why you use every opportunity you can to right that wrong – you make sure to be open-minded and inclusive and to create a welcoming and positive environment for everyone.
I’m like that myself.
It all started back in primary school when I moved across the globe and started a new school, in a new country, in a language I didn’t speak. It was tough to fit in.
Ever since then, whenever someone new came along I would make sure they had someone to sit next to at lunch. And if I noticed someone was unpopular because they were a bit “different” I would befriend them.
All in all, the fact that you’re working hard to make up for other people’s lack of empathy is a surefire sign that you’re more than just a little empathic.
5) You are highly sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around you, even strangers
If you’re highly attuned to the needs and feelings of the people around you – even strangers – it’s another sign that your empathy level is off the charts.
I mean, you can pick up on subtle cues – such as body language and tone of voice – that reveal how someone is feeling. This helps you respond with empathy and compassion, even if you don’t know the person very well.
What’s more, you’ll often find yourself going out of your way to help others, even if it means sacrificing your own time or resources.
The bottom line?
You’re usually the first to notice when someone is struggling and quick to offer a listening ear or a helping hand. It’s no wonder then that…
6) You’re the person others come to for emotional support
Friends, family, co-workers, and even people you barely know all seem to come to you when they need someone to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on.
Because your empathy is off the charts, people feel safe and comfortable in your presence.
They know they can count on you not to judge them and that if anyone can understand where they’re coming from, it’s you. You’d probably make a great therapist.
7) You have a knack for diffusing tension
… And helping people find common ground before tension escalates into major conflict – basically, you’re a peacemaker.
The reason you’re so good at this is that you have a natural talent for understanding different perspectives and the emotions involved.
This allows you to approach tense situations with empathy and compassion, instead of with anger or defensiveness. By acknowledging and validating the emotions of all parties involved, you often help de-escalate the situation and create a more collaborative environment.
So, whether it’s in your personal or professional life, your high empathy level means you’re often the go-to person for mediation and conflict resolution.
But it’s not easy…
8) You often feel emotionally drained
The truth is that it’s hard enough to feel your own emotions without having to feel everyone else’s. But that’s the life of someone super empathic.
A lot of the time you’ll find yourself feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained because you take on other people’s emotions – whether they be your friends, your family, or even complete strangers.
You probably struggle with boundaries and feel responsible for making others feel better, even if it’s at your own expense. This can lead to a cycle of over-giving and burnout.
*Here’s a tip from one empath to another: If you want to avoid feeling emotionally drained, you need to start practicing self-care and put in place some healthy boundaries.
This might include taking breaks from emotionally charged situations, seeking support from a therapist, learning when to say “no”, and prioritizing activities that bring you joy!
9) You’re quick to forgive and forget
Another sign that you’re super empathic is the fact that you don’t like to hold grudges. You prefer to forgive and move on with your life.
It’s like you’re programmed to see the good in others, even if they’ve hurt you. You want to believe that they didn’t do it intentionally, which is why forgive easily
I mean, you understand that everyone makes mistakes and that there’s more to a person than their mistakes.
In short: You want to believe in the good of man which is why you’re so eager to let bygones be bygones.
10) You are comfortable with vulnerability and openly share your own struggles with others
The final sign your empathy level is off the charts is your willingness to share your own struggles with others.
I mean, you get that being vulnerable and opening up to others can be a powerful way to build connections and deepen relationships. Plus, you know that talking about your problems and opening up about your feelings can help others feel less alone in their own experiences.
All in all, you understand that everyone goes through difficult times and that there is no shame in asking for help or support. You believe that it’s extremely important to normalize struggles and break down the stigma around mental health.
Thus, by being open and vulnerable yourself, you’re creating a safe and supportive environment for others to share their own problems.
