Is being a highly sensitive person the same as an empath?

[jasminebarratt]

I'm so glad you said that. I knew someone who appeared to be highly sensitive, and he most certainly was not empathic. For some reason I though he was empathic because he was sensitive.

[Ginabina]

How many of us here are HSP or an empath? I think there is more "surrounding" a narcissist then the norm. I know me, my sis and my father are. It must've drove my mother crazy. You are not suppose to have your own feelings/emotions etc. Lol.

[amandar.]

Coginitive empathy, that makes a lot of sense. I havent heard it put like that before.

[Francine]

Yeah i would say i am highly sensitive to my surroundings. I think due to my upbringing and unstable parenting!!! I don't like being around lots of people.. i get overwhelmed and talk too much when nervous. I can sense a good or bad atmosphere. And feel uncomfortable anywhere except my home and my bed. 😅

[crytlmeen]

THANK you! I’m actually both, but it seems silly to how large a degree HSP is conflated with empathy! NOW, let’s talk about how empathy is not a superpower and how often it’s more likely to be a manifestation of codependent hypervigilence, rather than an organic trait!🤣

[amandaderoller]

Has anyone ever told you, you look like Elvis Costello?

[crytlmeen]

Yes, narcs def have cognitive empathy and it is a dangerous tool that allows them to gather information abt others and use it to harm them!