Posted by galtin on November 13, 2001, at 22:58:51
In reply to Re: Pdoc apptointment » galtin, posted by kiddo on November 10, 2001, at 19:13:56
> > Kiddo,
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the update. I am glad that you decided to go.
> >
> > I am curious about what your pdoc said. When we are empathetic, aren't we identifying with, even to some degree experiencing, the feelings of another person. So when this person's feelings are sad, don't we feel sad as well? How often do we say that we are empathizing with somebody who is happy? Anyway, was your doctor suggesting that your sadness was the RESULT of your empathy?
> >
> >
> >
> > Just curious,
> >
> >
> > galtin
>
>
> Galtin-
>
> You're welcome, I'm glad I went as well, it turned out to be a really good one. You know what empathy is, as I'm sure most people on this board do as well.
>
> Until this past Wednesday, I had never had an experience like it before. There were times when I thought I was, but, it was more like an "I know what you mean" without the feelings/emotions to go with it. Words without meaning. I couldn't put it into words that day either, and told him so, that's when he said what he did about my not being sad, but empathetic to them and their needs.
>
> What he meant was that I wasn't personally sad-the only time I'd ever cried before. I've only cried in one movie-ever, and I was alone then.
>
> I hope have a better understanding of what I'm trying to convey-and if you do (or anyone for that matter) please let ME know!
>
> KiddoKiddo,
I understand, now. I often "feel badly" for other people who suffer misfortune but in truth there is little feeling to it. It is closer to a detached intellectual agreement that certain experiences are painful and harmful to other people. I have also experienced empathy as you have described it, but far less often.
BTW, how did this exchange get into the middle of the discussion on cutting?
galtin
poster:galtin
thread:13645
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011105/msgs/13879.html