Opposite of a Narcissist? An Empath

Empaths are people who are very receptive to the emotions of others. They are very sensitive to noise and smell. Also, empaths are sensitive to being around people. That is why they become overwhelmed in crowds and exhausted in social situations. The ability most humans have to understand the way someone else if feeling is empathy. You will have the ability to feel empathy for others on some level, unless you are a psychopath, narcissist or socialpath. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and author of "The Empath's Survival Guide," said, "An empath is an emotional sponge." She went on to say, "They are somebody who absorbs stress and also the positive emotions in to their own bodies from other people." Empaths always want to please others, and not disappoint anyone. This is why boundaries are a real struggle. This also means they can be taken advantage of by manipulative people. Empaths and narcissists attract each other. Narcissists see someone they can use and the empaths see someone they can help and fix. Dr. Orloff helps her clients out with learning to stand up for themselves. She helps them realize what is best for them. Orloff explains, "What I always tell them is 'no' is a complete sentence." She says, "Learn to say 'no', but don't get into a big discussion about it. Just say 'no', I'm sorry I can't do this tonight, I'd rather stay home." In a happy relationship, it may be hard for some people to comprehend the idea of needing alone time. Empaths are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. They might just be depressed or anxious, as a result of the way they are forced to live their lives. Dr. Orloff said, " After years of being told they are "over-sensitive", many empaths grow up thinking there is something wrong with them, when really they have a gift." Business Insider by Lindsay Dodgson