Is it normal that i have difficulty empathizing with others?

69% Normal
3 Comments

I have serious difficulty empathizing with other people unless they have proven themselves to be a quality human being. If they've done something that leads me to believe that they aren't a quality human being, I do not empathize with them at all. I could probably watch them die and feel nothing. But conversely, if someone has shown themselves to be a good, caring, worthwhile human being, I generally have no trouble empathizing with them if something bad happens to them. Is this normal?

Voting Results
69% Normal
Based on 51 votes (35 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • Mr-Time
    13 years ago

    This is a much more sensible way to live, it enables you to live without expending time and engery worry about things you can't change. I operate on a simliar system. As a rule i couldn't care less about anybody apart from those that have proven themselves worthy of my concern and empathy. Like my friends i would care if they died, a random, nothing. Conversly if i deem someone unworthy ie have proven themselves below the norm through stupid, ignorant and other standards i set. I actively wish them harm.

    Call it sociopathic, call it arrogant and petty. But hey I spend my days happy and content. So go figure.

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  • howaminotmyself
    13 years ago

    What about strangers? Can you empathize with someone you know nothing about?

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  • DefinitelyNotNormal89
    13 years ago

    So basically you're saying when you watched Saddam Hussein being hung you didn't feel sorry for him? I know this is harsh but some people deserve everything they get coming to them so I can kinda see where you're coming from. As long as you know how to empathise then I think you're completely normal

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