In sci-fi and fantasy realms, fictional empaths have the ability to detect the feelings of others. And often their findings are, without fail, factual. In that sense, empathy is more cut and dried. But in the real world, empathy is not a superpower. It’s a conditioned response based on a lifetime of trying to cater to the perceived needs of others, often to gain approval. Non-fictional empaths get a good sense about what someone else is feeling, and they are often correct, but when they go above and beyond the call of duty, they run into trouble.
Here are 4 ways empaths sabotage their relationships:
1. They Compromise Boundaries (without being asked to do so)
Empaths have an innate belief that they have to constantly sacrifice in order to be loved. The empath will give up personal freedoms and compromise boundaries in order to appease the other person, even if the other person never asked them to do so. Overtime, this builds up resentment, and it’s all based on an expectation that the empath placed on themselves.2. They Neglect Themselves
In the name of altruism, the empath will become wrapped up in the well-being of their partner. They will abandon their friends, hobbies, and all the little things that make them who they are in order to take care of someone else. Eventually, this will lead to the empath will feeling unloved and neglected, and due to their lack of expressing their needs, their partner will not know how to love them.