I'm far too sensitive

Monica, your post resonated with me.

I often read into things which are not there and I do pick up on people's moods, assuming I must be the cause.

People are busy and tend to post short messages on social media, because they don't have time to linger. It is easy to think the messenger is being abrupt.

I have never heard of this term either, however, I do think WhatsApp and texting messages can cause problems as they need to be short. The recipient feels there is no emotion or sympathy and gets upset. One friends messages sound quite babyish which isn’t the case face to face. Use as little as possible for real communication

Were they to assume that there is no reason why anyone should put them down

Good comment

Never heard of an ‘empath’ before reading this thread.

There is a difference between being an empath and being paranoid. If people have to pussyfoot round you because you take offence at the slightest thing, you will soon find yourself totally alone.
I'm over-sensitive myself but I don't envy those who are thick-skinned. I think I have a greater appreciation of things, which they miss.

Dare I ask, are you really an empath - or are you someone who sees off tones and push offs in the most innocent remark?

I had an uncle who could see negative remarks and put downs in the most innocent of remarks. It made conversation very difficult.

I have also, myself, assumed someone was saying something upsetting to me,when, when I went back over the message later realised I had got it completely wrong.

I do wonder how far someone like the OP is an empath, and how much someone who suffers from lack of self-esteem and sees put downs and negative attitudes in what other people do or say, or messages, because that is what their lack of self esteem leads them to expect. Were they to assume that there is no reason why anyone should put them down, therefore any supposedly off message is the result of them choosing to interpete the message that way, life would be much better and yhey would discover thta they were not as empathetic as they think.

I think being an empath makes you a wonderful, caring, and great to be around. You make the world a better place.

As for messages, the problem is that body language makes up the vast majority of communication and you don't see that in messages. Often messages are written in a hurry too.

I think it's very easy to have misunderstandings by messages, look at these forums I think it happens here.

I think messages should be to arrange things and not for conversation. You can't beat a coffee and chat.

The downside of being an empath is the ability to pick up other people's moods very easily .
They can't always be sunny and positive .
I've been described as an empath - so I know how you feel .
It's not easy .
I try to avoid situations , which I know are going to upset me .
And when I sense negatively in family and friends I pray for them .

biglouis

For a contented life make as little use of social media as possible.

A simple yet great suggestion, thank you, will try 😊

For a contented life make as little use of social media as possible.