The term is derived from the word empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the emotions of another. So an empath, as you might imagine, is someone who takes empathy beyond what most people experience. They are so attuned, in fact, that without proper boundaries, they can absorb others’ energy (which can be quite overwhelming). As psychiatrist and author of The Empath’s Survival Guide Judith Orloff, M.D., previously explained to mbg, empaths are also sensitive, loving, and have finely tuned intuition—but can become “an emotional and physical sponge, absorbing the negativity and stress of the world.” However, it’s also possible for empaths to awaken to their gifts later in life. This can happen because when an empath is young and doesn’t understand their sensitivity, they may subconsciously shut it down to protect their own energy. While there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself time to recharge, too much time alone can have a negative impact as well, making it important for empaths to learn how to protect their energy. Empaths bond deeply with others, can easily understand other people’s perspectives, and piggyback on other people’s good vibes or mood, she adds. Additionally, “being easily affected by energy means empaths can more mindfully create and curate the energy in their environment,” Richardson adds. And as Richardson notes, empaths can also be more prone to people-pleasing and codependency since they can so intimately feel what others want, need, and expect. They’re also easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, which can make them feel anxious or drained. That said, with a little intention and mindfulness, “the tricky parts of being an empath can be mitigated so you can truly enjoy your sensitivity and flourish,” Richardson adds. The simplest way to break it down is that empaths are highly sensitive people, but not all highly sensitive people are empaths. Unlike empaths, HSPs don’t necessarily absorb or take on the emotions and physical symptoms of others, though they will certainly be affected by the energy around them. As Richardson explains, empaths can have a hard time maintaining boundaries and will sometimes put their partner’s needs before their own. This can lead to them trying to manage their partner’s emotions or even withdraw from intimacy altogether, overwhelmed by how much the relationship affects them. According to Richardson, this is why it’s particularly important for empaths to set emotional boundaries, avoid narcissists, and be mindful not to completely merge with their partner. (Check out her full guide to dating as an empath for more tips.) And if you’re dating an empath yourself, remember that they have a unique experience when it comes to interacting with others, especially in a romantic setting. If they need space or time to themselves, don’t take it personally. Being supportive means encouraging them to do their own thing, validating their experiences, and not taking advantage of their highly empathetic nature. They like their physical space to be comfortable and tidy, so take that into consideration, too.
