Posted by Deneb on May 27, 2006, at 12:51:40
In reply to Re: I feel uneasy at my lack of empathy » Deneb, posted by NikkiT2 on May 27, 2006, at 2:15:49
> but, crying over other peoples posts doesn't show a greater level of empathy. I am a very empathetic person (much too much sometimes), but I don't cry over other peoples posts.. YOu can be empathetic (ie, understand and feel sorry or what ever for them) without having to take their pain on board
>
> Does that make any sense?I think that makes sense. So, you are saying that being empathetic doesn't mean that I have to be overcome with emotions. I can care, but still not cry over something or let it consume me. Maybe this has to do with boundaries? Is it like when my pdoc cares about me, but goes about her daily life not letting her work get to her?
Once I wondered if I had Aspergers because I don't seem to desire to socialize very much. When I'm in social situations I often don't listen to conversations and go off into my own little world. Oftentimes I find it difficult to feel bad for other people. I usually only cry when bad things happen to me and not when bad things happen to other people. There is a certain detachedness from others' pain that I experience, but I'm pretty sure I don't have Aspergers because I'm way too emotional, plus I'm not that smart.
Once I also thought Dr. Bob had Aspergers because sometimes it seemed like he didn't understand how people can feel hurt. I'm pretty sure Dr. Bob doesn't have Aspergers now that I've met him in real life. He's much better at socializing than I am. He shows interest in what other people have to say, unlike me.
I don't know what sort of problem I am, maybe some sort of personality problem. It's good to know I can learn to be more social and have more empathy.
Deneb*
poster:Deneb
thread:649022
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060527/msgs/649358.html