You’ve probably heard the term beforebut what does it actually mean?
What it means to be an empath.
The term is derived from the wordempathy, which is the ability tounderstand and share the emotions of another.
So an empath, as you might imagine, is someone who takes empathy beyond what most people experience.
12 signs you’re an empath:
You’re clairsentient.
You embody another throw in of “clair.”
You often feel overly stimulated.
You may struggle with boundaries.
It can be difficult for empaths to set boundaries.
it’s possible for you to feel others' emotions.
You are overwhelmed by crowds.
That’s a lot!
You have to actively choose to not let energy in.
Does it feel difficult to block out the energy of others?
You have always been sensitive, especially as a child.
However, it’s also possible for empaths to awaken to their gifts later in life.
You are a natural helper or healer.
Empaths want to help alleviate others' pain because they can feel in their own body, Paul notes.
This makes themnatural helpers or healers.
Other people often recognize this quality in them and seek out empaths for help.
“Being caring and compassionate might come naturally to you because you feel with people,” Richardson adds.
Physical spaces have a strong effect on you.
Empaths don’t just pick up the energy of people but even physical spaces as well.
Richardson notes an empath will be very affected by particular spaces and how they’re maintained.
You often feel isolated.
You need time to recharge by yourself.
This goes back to that tendency to isolate.
Pros & cons.
This can be a very powerful and positive thing.
They’re also easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, which can make them feel anxious or drained.
In some cases, physical empaths can also see where someone is experiencing a symptom.
Intuitive empath
Intuitive empaths have strong claircognizant abilities, with insight dropping into their minds instantaneously.
These folks make excellent gardeners or landscapers, knowing exactly how to tend to their plant friends.
Animal empath
Animal empaths easily pick up on the needs and feelings of animals.
Like the plant empath wants to be around plants, the animal empath enjoys the company of animals.
They may even choose to work with animals, whether as veterinarian, at an animal shelter, etc.
It’s almost like a plant empath but on a much larger scale.
They’re also very affected by the weather and are very sensitive to the environment being harmed.
Empaths vs. highly sensitive people.
Empaths andhighly sensitive people(HSPs) are similar, but there is a little nuance.
Highly sensitive people are exactly what they sound like by definition: very sensitive, namely to external stimuli.
This isn’t unlike the sensitivity seen in empaths.
What to know about empaths in relationships.
(Check out herfull guide to dating as an empathfor more tips.)
If they need space or time to themselves, don’t take it personally.
They like their physical space to be comfortable and tidy, so take that into consideration, too.
The bottom line.
Being an empath is incredibly powerful but can also feel incredibly overwhelming.
