The “not having empathy” one upsets me. I have empathy, but not for dishonest communication and behaviors, so then I either start second guessing myself or get upset and want out of the situation because I don’t want to live the lie they’re forcing me to pretend. If I second guess myself, then I’m considered unempathetic because I didn’t pick up
noon the true emotion. If I call out the elephant in the room by pointing out the truth, then I’m unempathetic because I didn’t understand that would cause them embarrassment. I guess the expectation is that we should all go along with the lie while not believing it. I rather not have friends than do that.edits: typos, see strikethroughs
I would argue that empathy is not a very useful attribute anyway. Paul Bloom makes a compelling argument in his book, Against Empathy. What use is it to feel someone else’s pain? Wouldn’t it be better to feel compassion for the victim? Taking on someone’s feelings leads us to make irrational and harmful decisions. Some of the most dangerous people to have walked this earth have been excellent judges of other people’s intentions through a highly developed cognitive empathy. Let’s get to the truth of the matter and speak plainly so we can act with integrity instead of second guessing what people want.
I think the above water stuff is the typical stereotype that exists in the media and below the water are the more relatable things. I agree with you, my only friends are ND.
I understand that and apologize to @MrPoopyButthole if I gave the impression that I was upset with their meme. I was mostly venting about my experience with people acting as if I didn’t have empathy, when in reality, I feel like I have so much that it can harm my relationships and well-being.
The loveliness of internet usernames can truly make conversations interesting /lh
