Empaths are more than empathetic˳ Like an HSP-highly sensitive person-they’re highly attuned to stimuli and other people’s emotions and energy, usually to a degree considered transpersonal or paranormal˳ They may be codependent and end up in abusive relationships˳ Let’s first consider some definitions˳ An HSP has a rich inner life and deep central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli˳ So an HSP may also be an empath, but encompasses more attributes˳ A codependent is someone whose feelings, thoughts, and actions revolve around another person˳
Empaths and Codependency
A codependent needn’t be empathetic and an empath needn’t be codependent˳ Some people justify or glorify their codependency on the fact that they’re empathetic; however, codependency is something very specific˳ Your focus can revolve around someone else, without really empathizing with what that person is experiencing˳ Codependents might do that to figure out the other person’s mood and then gauge how to react and be liked˳ They might not know their own feelings or what the other person feels or care much about it; especially if his or her behavior is causing them pain; for example, due to addiction, abuse, or if the person is emotionally unavailable˳
Conversely, an empath might tune into another person’s feelings, but also be quite aware of their own and not change their behavior to manipulate the situation˳ They may express caring or offer to help, but also have firm boundaries to protect themselves and not overextend themselves˳ They might also realize that the other person isn’t ready to receive or want help˳ If they feel unsafe or sense abuse, they might leave the person to protect themselves˳ In other words, an empath may have healthy boundaries and not necessarily put the other person’s welfare above their own˳
Often empaths become healers and have to learn to protect their energy field to not absorb negative energy from people in their personal and professional relationships˳ I was an empath and HSP growing up, but didn’t know it˳ From a young age, I was very interested in the psyche and dreams and later had psychic experiences˳ Looking back, the signs were there of being sensitive to loud noises, pungent smells, nylons and scratchy fabric, and other people’s energy and feelings˳ Although I wasn’t shy, I now understand why I preferred nature to cities and disliked malls and crowds, preferring small shops, intimate gatherings, and sitting in the front of the class and along the aisle in theatres˳
I was also codependent˳ Having had a controlling, narcissistic mother, my voice and real, authentic self were squashed˳ I learned to disregard my feelings and needs and accommodate those of other people in close relationships˳ Naturally, I was considered “too” sensitive˳
Abusive Relationships
Codependent empaths have the dual problems of weak boundaries and disconnection from themselves, while being highly sensitive to other people˳ They’re vulnerable to abuse for several reasons:
Empaths can be sucked by feeling sympathetic for addicts, and people with borderline personality disorders who play the victim with stories of woe˳ Then they feel responsible and can’t leave because their ill partners behave so needy and dependent, sometimes threatening suicide or self-destructive behavior, while claiming how important the empath is to them˳
Empaths and Recovery from Codependency
The work of recovery from codependency has allowed me to empathize with myself as well as others without giving up my needs and wants˳ By reclaiming the lost connection with myself, I no longer tolerate drama, go along to get along, and am comfortable setting boundaries with other people˳
Steps of recoveryinclude:
Do the exercises to overcome shame, Self-Love Meditation and learn to be assertive and stand up for yourself˳
© 2021 DarleneLancer
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?Are-Empaths-Codependent?&id=10456006
