21 Signs You're an Empath

1. You have a deep, intuitive sense of "Knowing": Empaths feel things that most folks don't.  We know things before we're told.  We "see" things that are invisible to others.  We have a deep connection to our intuitive senses that transcends simple gut feelings or instinct alone.

You abhor violence in movies, on TV or obviously in real life.  Why?  Because you take on the pain of the victim.  Even if you're watching a fictional portrayal of violence, you feel a sense of dis-ease seeing others in pain.

Crowds, cramp your comfort.  You don't like big public gatherings, and often feel overwhelmed with the energies and emotions of other humans (and non humans!) sharing your space.

You absorb energy.  All empaths are sponges, and taking on the emotional energy of others, is a huge trigger (and trait) that shows you are an empath.  Feeling others emotions and taking them on as your own.

You may sense negativity, even in thought form....from a great distance away.  Negative people, especially those whose lives intersect or intertwine with your own, affect you in ways that others find easy to overlook.  You can sense negative thought patterns, even unspoken ones.  And if directed at you, it's painful....and a problem.

You are a human lie detector!  People know better than to lie around you.  You see through bullshit and deceit better than the best law enforcement agents on TV :)  If someone is not forthright, you feel it - and often before anyone else.

You are a savior with an eye for the underdog.  Many empaths have a much easier time standing up, or speaking up for others, than we do for ourselves.  Your activism is almost always aimed at helping others, or serving those who are struggling.  (even if you struggle to speak up for yourself on other occasions) Healer empaths are often animated by action, and we find our voice, and our purpose, in the service of stepping up and serving those who can't help themselves.  If this is you.....don't stop doing what you do!

You absorb physical discomfort, pain and illness from others in your orbit.  Any ailments or symptoms that others close to you experience, inevitably, will land in your lap as well.

You may develop physical pain around the energy centers of the body.  Empaths are carriers, and energy is heavy.  If you suffer from perpetual back, leg, hip and neck problems, it's often an energetic imbalance that arises from holding on to the pain (and problems) of others in your orbit...and manifesting (or absorbing) their issues as your own.

You are the sounding board for all.  People find it easy to talk to you, and will spontaneously (sometimes) data dump all of their issues on you.  Strangers, friends, family, co-workers and others are attracted to your empathetic nature, and seek solace (and release) from sharing (sometimes OVER-SHARING :) their challenges with you.

Creativity is important to you.  Self expression is a deep need.  (even if you don't love to talk, or share with others, getting stuff "out" into the world through art, writing, journaling, music or other forms of expression is something that is key to your sanity, and sense of power and peace.  

You are insatiably curious.  You wonder about the world.  Your curiosity is rooted in a deep sense of appreciation of the natural world around us all.  You feel the magic, embrace the mystery and seek out meaning where others often don't see (or feel) anything at all.

You prioritize spiritual growth.  Learning and growing is inspiring to you, and you find metaphysical topics particularly stimulating and exciting.  

You seek solitude and safety.  Your are a "nester" and creating a safe home space is key for your mental health.  You recharge batteries often, by being alone, or taking a break from close friends, family and loved ones alike.

You have a particular love of animals and pets.  Empaths are often some of the most strident animal activists.  (part of the savior personality type, and the appeal of the underdog as well)

You are more attracted to purpose, than profit in work, career and livelihood.  

You get bored very, very easy.  An empath needs to be stimulated.  Boredom, or repetition is often anathema for empaths, and other sensitive people...as the sense of being bored or disinterested can be much higher and uncomfortable for us.

You are spontaneous, and sometimes to a fault. Sometimes, you'll suffer from a LACK of planning, or suffer the downside of  being a disorganized free spirit.    Routine is not exciting to you.  Adventure, even if it's merely INNER adventure, is your passion, and you express it with often.

Deep listening is your gift.  You listen with your fully body....and down to your bones.  You pay attention, fully, completely and without reservation, when in the company of a loved one in crisis.  You connect with conversation in a way that makes you the preferred confidante for friends, family and even strangers who need a helping hand.   It goes without saying, empaths make the best listeners, and as a result, we can be "the best friend" to many in our orbit.

You experience psychometry on a regular basis, and dress, decorate and style yourself (and your spaces) accordingly.  Psychometry is picking up the energy (or emotions) from objects and you don't like hand me downs....whether that's clothes, home decor, furniture or otherwise, unless you know (and love) the previous owners.

Narcissism is something you have no tolerance for.  The opposite of a true empath is a text book narcissist.  If you spot one in your close company, you will NOT make fast friends.  (note...the irony is, many ONLINE (or public) empaths are actually narcissists in disguise.  They play the role for profit or public fame....but in reality, are some of the most self absorbed A$$holes in the world)