posted on Dec, 15 2008 @ 02:49 PM
reply to post by bobbyboy
So here is a little something from an empath.
As I was growing up, there were many occasions where I could tell what others were thinking. Originally I thought I might be telepathic or something.
Later on, in junior high, I had serious issues because cliques started to form, and I couldn't figure out who I was. No matter who I was around, I
began to take on thoughts, traits, speech patterns etc. And the contrast of different cliques made it appearent to me that it was more than simply
being wishy washy.
When I became of marrying age, it really became a problem, because I had never learned how to tell the difference between what others were feeling and
what I was feeling.
It was about this time that it really started bothering me, so I sought assistance. I was introduced to something called ACOA (Adult Chidlren of
Alcoholics).
What I discovered astounded me. I realized that I had developed empathic tendencies as a child as a defense mechanism. I was raised by an alcoholic
and extremely volatile father. I had developed the ability to discern what he felt was good or bad, so that I could make sure that I was seen as good
(hence the change in personality based on who I was around).
The understanding of this syndrome as it were really helped me. I learned that it was a capability that I had, but it had been using me instead of
the other way around.
Anyway.. my empathic skill isn't something I turn on or off, it's something that just happens, many times but not all. It's always neat and can
afford a sense of intimacy that is outstanding, but it still causes me issues sometimes differentiating between what I feel and what others feel.