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> It seems in many cases to be correlated with anxiety and depression. So is intelligence. However on the balance intelligence is a pretty significant advantag
by pfisherman 5y ago
> It seems in many cases to be correlated with anxiety and depression.
So is intelligence. However on the balance intelligence is a pretty significant advantage.
Empathy can be a super power for those who are able to control it - one that can be used for good or evil. Think high EQ, natural political instincts, very persuasive, ability to push emotional states onto people.
The hypersensitivity you mention is the flip side of that coin.
SPD and paranoia is more like seeing patterns in the noise. I think pattern matching is a big component of empathy, but I do think you can have highly sensitive pattern matching facility that does not translate across domains.
- Trasmatta 5y agoI think a big part of it is having a supportive and understanding environment growing up that helps you foster the empathy in a healthy way, while teaching you to build and maintain your own self boundaries at the same time. If you didn't have that, it can be very difficult to change it as an adult.
- pfisherman 5y agoWell life is a struggle for all of us, no? Many traits that are seen as desirable can wreak havoc on the lives of those who possess them. We envy those traits when we see them in others because we do not have access to their visceral experience, and lack awareness of their inner turmoil and struggles. I think it important for all of us to extend ourselves grace. Living ain’t easy and we are often doing better at it than we think :)
- rafaelero 5y agoIntelligence is not positively correlated with anxiety. That's just a meme.