Current Events > I think I lack empathy.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Is there any way to fix this? Can empathy be taught or obtained?

It can be taught but it's best learned young. Just as with all things that solidify in people as they get older there's probably a cutoff point where it can no longer be learned.

That said, wanting to change is a good sign that it may still be possible.
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Have you ever cared about anyone else ever? If so, you still have some. It's normal for people to go through periods where they can't care, but if it's prolonged, maybe see a shrink.
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Yes, empathy can absolutely be learned. As stated, it's a great start that you know you want to work on it.
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The easiest way to learn empathy is actually go through hardships and challenges others face. It's not really innate so it doesn't necessarily mean you're a bad person per se. If you lack sympathy for those suffering injustly, that would be more of an issue.

I think it's due to having such a terrible childhood. No one cared for me so I don't care for others. Probably why all my relationships with women end terribly.

Devil_Katt_II posted...

The easiest way to learn empathy is actually go through hardships and challenges others face. It's not really innate so it doesn't necessarily mean you're a bad person per se. If you lack sympathy for those suffering injustly, that would be more of an issue.

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Nidhoggr posted...

I think it's due to having such a terrible childhood. No one cared for me so I don't care for others. Probably why all my relationships with women end terribly.

That's understandable and I'm sorry you were treated so poorly growing up. I think it might help you to try turn your thinking around, though.

Your experiences as a child showed you what it was like to experience a world where people didn't care about one another. You want that to change, so start making that change by caring for someone else a bit. You can do little things like just genuinely listening to someone and trying to offer them advice to start.

I'm no expert, though. I think therapy would be helpful for you. It can help you come to terms with your childhood, and analyze it. Don't be afraid to keep trying new therapists until you meet one that clicks with you as well.
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I wouldn't sweat it

Empathy is overrated
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I have lost almost all of mine thanks to repeated acts of mass violence in supposedly civilized parts of the world. I dont feel bad anymore and the value of life seems so very small.
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You suppose to get empathy in early age, its when you have younger sibling and care for them. Also it suggested for parents to get their kid some pet, even small thing like hamster would develop empathy.
I think for adult its alreay too late

I disagree with empathy needing to be gained early. That's something that can come with age and the experience of loss, although traumatic experience throws a wrench in that.
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weekly sessions with Dr. Melfi
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I know I do.
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