>>40556861 (OP)Use your awareness to understand it but don't be attached to your empathy emotionally. It's learned over time. I'm an empath. I'm sure you went down your bout of being taken advantage of in your youth by people who lack it. Control it, don't be controlled by it. Understand that you can only extend that side of yourself to people who you deem trustworthy and unfortunately the majority of people don't fit into trustworthy. Treat it like a blade — not a blanket. It’s not for everyone. It’s a tool, not your identity. Don’t go around absorbing everyone’s pain like a sponge thinking it’s noble. That’s martyrdom, not discernment. You can sense people’s emotions? Cool. That doesn’t mean you have to carry them. Observe, don’t absorb. Start filtering your environment harder. Cut out noise. Cut off emotionally draining people like you’re pruning a tree. If they’re not growing you, they’re choking you. You’re not cold for protecting your peace. You’re smart. Train your empathy like a muscle:
• Breathe before you react.
• Reflect before you internalize.
• And choose who gets access.
That’s how you stop being a slave to your gift and start becoming the master of it.