You probably know the basics of what it means to be an introvert, an extrovert or maybe even an ambivert. But did you know there's a personality type that an estimated five percent of people identify with that isn't often talked about? It's called being an empath, and (according to multiple online personality tests that I'm pretty sure are accurate) I am one.
Judging on the name, you can probably guess that empathy is a character trait that empaths possess...but it's so much more than that. Being an empath means that you feel everything, all the time. It may sound cheesy or like some hippie-voodoo, but I can literally feel certain emotions when I'm with people; it's a palpable sensation that I can't quite explain yet, but don't worry, all the online quizzes I took came with a variety of resources for "understanding yourself as an empath."
Empaths also display some of the same character traits as introverts, namely the need to be alone to "recharge" and revive themselves. However, while introverts are drained by the effort of communicating their own thoughts and feelings, empaths are drained by the weight of other people's feelings and thoughts that are unconsciously thrust upon them. This does not necessarily mean that empaths are full of compassion, sympathy and cry anytime their friends are slightly sad. It simply means that at any given time, their heads are spinning with too many emotions to count- the more people around, the more scrambled it gets.
There are many specific traits that empaths have, but here's a basic list that I've noticed in my own personality:
Mood swings.
Open to talking about feelings but never really being able to fully verbalize them.
Dislike of being in large groups of people.
Desire to listen and give advice.
Chronic fatigue.
Sensitivity to animals and plants- belief that all living things have souls.
Heavy need to create- write, draw, sing, anything to get words out of the head.
Constant daydreaming and wanting to be somewhere else.
A need for change, excitement and travel- if life gets too mundane, the emotions become too overwhelming.
If you think you might be an empath, here are some resources to check out:
http://themindunleashed.org/2013/10/30-traits-of-e...
http://lonerwolf.com/empath-test/
http://liveboldandbloom.com/08/self-improvement/em...
http://inspiredempath.com/quiz/
