It's crucial for empaths to set boundaries because our kindness is often mistaken for weakness. Setting boundaries doesn't mean we stop caring for people or doing things for them; it simply means knowing whom we can and cannot give our energy to. As an empath, we can be drained more rapidly by others' energies than most people.
Before diving deeper into this topic, it's essential to understand the difference between empathy and sympathy. Recognizing this difference can help you navigate different energies and better understand the spectrum of empathy you can offer.
Are You Empathetic or Sympathetic?
Empathy: Empathy means deeply understanding and sharing another person's emotions, almost as if you have the uncanny ability to walk in their shoes. You understand their perspective and emotions, feeling their pain, joy, or sorrow as if experiencing it yourself. With empathy, you can establish a deep emotional connection with others and respond with greater compassion and understanding.
Sympathy: Sympathy involves concern, care, or sorrow for another person's hardships or misfortune. You acknowledge their struggles and offer condolences and support. However, sympathy doesn't mean sharing or fully understanding their emotions or concerns. It is more of an intellectual understanding rather than a deep emotional connection.
When dealing with people going through adversities, you're likely to fall into one of these two categories: empathizer or sympathizer—unless you're just the type of person who doesn’t give a F%$K. And sometimes, we have to be that way, too, but that's a conversation for another time and post.
Today, recognize the spectrum of your empathy and set boundaries with those who exploit your kindness. That way, you don't seem like the bad guy or compromise your values.
Who Deserves Your Empathy?
It's crucial to recognize who deserves your empathy because not everyone does. While it's obvious that your kids, certain family members, and loved ones should have your empathy, some people do not deserve it:
The Narcissist: This person has an inflated sense of self-importance and makes every situation about them. When you need empathy or support, they shift the focus to their own experiences, emotions, or problems, making their issues the priority.
The Energy Vampire: These people constantly bring their problems to you, seeking your emotional support, but they never reciprocate. They see you as a convenient dumping ground, taking advantage of your kindness and draining your energy with their negativity.
The Manipulative Friend or Lover: They play the victim to manipulate situations in their favor, often asking for favors that push the boundaries of your goodwill. If you don't comply, they'll make you feel guilty.
The Drama Magnet: These individuals always seem to be in the midst of crises, often of their own making. They seek your support not because they genuinely need help but because they thrive on attention and lack discipline.
These people exploit your empathy, manipulating your emotions for their own selfish gain. That's why it's imperative to invest your energy only in those who deserve it.
How to Protect Your Energy
Be Selective with Your Time: A monarch doesn't allow just anyone into their chambers, so be selective about who you choose to spend your time with.
Learn to Say No: "No" is one of the most powerful words an empath can say. If you don't establish boundaries, the cycle will repeat itself. Stand your ground, and people will understand that you won't be taken advantage of.
Use Sympathy to Maintain Distance: In some situations, adopting a more sympathetic stance can still show you care but from a distance. Send a card, flowers, or kind words to keep things short and sweet.
Allocate a Good Karma Jar: Set aside a small amount each month to help those in need. Limit how often you offer help and the amount you provide to prevent repeated requests. If people keep asking, be firm in saying no without offering a lengthy explanation.
Balance empathy and sympathy to avoid burnout and prevent being taken advantage of. You don't have to be cold or mean, nor should you compromise your values.
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."
- William Shakespeare’s King Henry IV.
Even when you suspect people are exploiting your kindness, respond with kindness and leave vengeance to God.
In the Bible, Romans 12:20 says: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." This means that showing kindness to those who wrong you may lead to a moral awakening. But if they still take your kindness for granted, then...
F%$K them.
To be continued…
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Master Psychic Rachel
Don't Live Life In The Dark...
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