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Post by Susan Peabody on Sept 25, 2012 12:27:54 GMT -8
It is important to know the difference between sympathy and empathy because empathy can be a trap for codependents. Sympathy is compassion for another. It is often followed by mercy and forgiveness. Empathy is actually feeling someone's feelings with no boundaries or filter. Taking on another's feelings can be agonizing and cause the love addict to suffer beyond what is necessary. It keeps us stuck in dead-end relationships. This was the number one reason I could not break up with someone. Empathy is often confused with sympathy. It is also gloried in religion and the media (See Startreck) but in the wrong hands it can be toxic. Personally, I believe only someone without karma like J.C. can really be empathetic without being damaged. There is a bright side for Empaths (which I believe is a brain function). We can feel the joy of others. |
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Post by denverdignity on Jun 8, 2016 14:13:06 GMT -8
I am going through a rough time with feeling extreme empathy for the guy I may break it off with. I feel like I am failing him bc I am not sure and am not able to be the one for him..
I want him to be happy and I don't know why I feel responsible for this when he is perfectly capable. He lost a wife 5 years ago she was not even 40 (she was murdered by her uncle) and I just want to fill him up with love..but instead I may break up with him bc I am not sure if we are a match and it is burning me up..
I have another day of a week of NC I asked for to think about things, he has respected my space, making me feel like IM blowing it even more and maybe missing out of love of lifetime..I love him but I don't know if he is the right match his family and class/lifestyle is different and it makes me not see a easy future with family relations etc..Im loving the info on empathy today. |
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