Being an empath is a fantastic thing.
Empaths can feel and read energy. It’s an awesome ability that kind of feels like you have a built-in lie detector in your body. (Pretty cool, huh?)
And third, empaths are inherently understanding and nurturing. As such, they make excellent friends, teachers, partners, counselors, caregivers, and community members.
The Problem with Being An Empath
As terrific as it sounds, though, being an empath isn’t always easy. Like everyone else, empaths have challenges. Luckily, though, discovering what drains, overwhelms or causes anxiety for an empath is relatively easy.
Today, we’re giving you 7 of the most common empathic “triggers”. These are a handful of things Highly Sensitive People would do best to avoid. At least if peace, love, and tranquility are what they seek.
Ah, the news. It’s got drama. It’s got sensationalism. And it’s (often) got negativity. While a good chunk of people may be drawn in by and love these things, empaths typically don’t. Want to cut down on the fear, panic, and anxiety in your life? Cut out the negative news.
2. Intense entertainment.
Some people love scary, suspenseful movies, shows, books, and music. Empaths, however, do not. That’s because we can genuinely feel the emotions and feelings of people, animals, and things onscreen. So, where an average person who doesn’t absorb energy can easily let go of a violent scene, the empath cannot.
3. Sarcasm.
Sarcastic people are everywhere. But that doesn’t mean you need to tolerate it. Although some people can laugh off sharp jabs and cutting deeds, the empath can not. The reason may be rooted in the word sarcasm itself. Originating from the Greek word “sarkazein,” it means “to tear flesh.” Put simply, sarcasm isn’t funny; it’s hostility disguised as humor.
4. Chronic Complainers.
If there is one type of person for an empath to avoid besides a narcissist, it’s a chronic complainer. Chronic complainers, characterized by negativity, learned helplessness, and vocal self-pity, can take a bright, beautiful, positive day and quickly turn it into a massive nightmare. Then there’s the issue of absorbing those things into one’s energy. If the feelings and emotions of the people around an empath are positive, joyful, and peaceful, the empath feels excellent. If, however, the words, actions or behaviors of the person around them are focused on things like anger, fear, blame, or retaliation, the empath feels and may absorb this, too. Not surprisingly, this can lead to confusion, anger, and upset.
5. Large groups of people for extended amounts of time.
Although not all empaths are introverts, something they do have in common is the ability to feel and sense energy – and the tendency to absorb it. That’s the reason why your empathic friend may not be keen on tagging along to that Rangers game or for after-work drinks. Although empaths can learn how to manage the energies of crowds successful, they often need help in this area. Techniques like cord cutting and energetic shielding, practicing healthy boundaries and limiting time spent in highly-stimulating environments are essential.
6. Highly critical people.
The person who wrote the adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” was likely not an empath. That’s because, when you are empathic, words and names can – and often, do – hurt. To the layperson, the ability to “shut off” their empathy in the face of hatred or anger may come easy; that, however, is not the case with an empathic individual. The fact also remains that being around a highly critical, judgmental person isn’t good for anybody. And, with the recent discovery that emotions are indeed contagious, it just makes sense for empaths to avoid the harsh treatment and negativity of highly critical people.
7. Narcissists.
When it comes to people, empaths tend to attract those with qualities that oppose their own. Empaths – who tend to be incredibly giving, nurturing, and compassionate – often find themselves in the company of narcissists. Exhibiting traits like arrogance, a lack of empathy, and emotional unavailability, narcissists will lie, steal, and manipulate to get what they want. Masters of illusion, disguise, and trickery, narcissists who fool empaths succeed because narcissists believe their own lies. Because of this, empaths must use discernment in their relationships. If an empath finds herself in a relationship with a narcissist, the best course of action is to take some space, look at the situation objectively, and make a decision to change things or end them.
Empaths have special needs.
Unlike other people, empathic individuals can feel, sense, and perceive subtle energies that most people miss. While their abilities offer them unique benefits, being empathic can also be challenging. Because of this, empaths must use discernment in who they spend time with, where they go, and what activities they do.
Watching violent news; being around sarcastic, critical, or narcissistic people; or spending days at an amusement park are not things empaths enjoy. To feel their best, empaths need to minimize or avoid situations like this unless they want to end up feeling exhausted, drained, used, or anxious.
But, by taking the time to learn what drains or paralyzes them and what makes them feel whole and complete, empaths can live a happy, prosperous, and peaceful life.
