Question

Does anyone ever worry they lack empathy? I’ve gone down a rabbit hole wondering if I’m narcissistic. I know I’ve objectified people before. And there are moments that I refuse to admit I’m wrong but I think I’m justified. Like, when someone is racist, queerphobic, anti-religion, or anti-science. I’m agnostic but I don’t like the current neo-Nazi movement and I brutally insult anyone who say, “The painter was right” or “Stupid g*y” (I know it’s not a slur but it’s treated as one which is why I censored it). But like, recently there was one guy who was like, “Dude, do you not knowing writing? Have you never read a book in your life?” And I argued and eventually I was like, “Look, I’m not gonna argue with you. There wasn’t any sarcasm in what I said.” And I deleted my comment because I didn’t want anyone to see I messed up in something I said. And sometimes I struggle feeling empathy. Like, I can’t feel empathy. I don’t know how you feel sad when someone else is sad. Like, I can’t cry with someone. I feel uncomfortable. But I am there for them because I know they need someone. I just can’t cry with them. I don’t know how people do that. I don’t like being vulnerable. And sometimes I don’t like criticism like when people say, “You’re a horrible person” or “you’re arrogant.” Like, I know I’m insecure and I struggle being vulnerable except for some people. I don’t cut them off. Like, I get sad and I just don’t know how to cry with someone.

piinthesky

Date posted: Yesterday

I have that feeling sometimes...

JustAJesusLover

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

having these worries just shows that you don’t lack empathy. I try to be the most empathetic person i can be. and I still can’t seem to cry with someone. I don’t cry a lot anymore. but i have feelings of sadness or despair when listening to others stories. sometimes your emotions don’t manifest physically. I’m christian, and i hate it when someone uses an insult like you exampled near the beginning. I don’t even think the ‘you’re a horrible person’ is criticism. it’s just a plain insult. As a christian, while my beliefs may differ with someone who is not, i’m not going to insult them or judge them. i will love them anyways. know that empathy doesn’t always come out physically as i said before. sometimes, it is hard to just empathize with someone. sometimes the most you can do is sympathize, trying your best not to make it into pity. I’m the most open person ever. people can ask me my life story and i will give them all my mistakes and my shortcomings. this also has its downsides. And this is not to blame you for not being a super open person. it’s to show that we all have our strengths and weaknesses and our different ways of showing empathy. those people who will give you that ‘criticism,’ IGNORE THEM. they are hypocrites. a line i love is that ‘if you insult someone, you are the very worst kind of that insult.’ there is a difference between insult and criticism. people who insult you don’t deserve to be around you. i know you can get through this. don’t listen to the other voices: choose the right voice to give the microphone to. stay strong ♥️

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