Empaths, for the record are people who have a higher than usual level of Empathy, called hyper empathy. 

Because Shirley has so many friends - many dating back to junior high school - she's always encouraging and sympathizing with someone. This means there's a lot of highs and lows as she finds out one friend had a baby or that another suffered a tragic loss, or even died.

My impression is it's not easy being an empath. But the world needs empaths more than ever in our polarized society. They're known for listening and being unjudgmental. You can feel their silent power of love no matter who you are.

Just think, if we had more empaths in our lives what a different world, we'd live in. The lack of empathy is wearing away at the gears of society, grinding us down to the nubs.

Ironically, the very technology that is supposed to keep us connected is actually driving us apart. Face-to-face interactions are declining, and news is filtered through an echo chamber that shelters us from other points of view. 

The thing about empaths is they have big hearts and can be emotionally crushed by a friend's drama. 

I've seen the devastation Shirley experiences when a friend is sick, dying, or depressed over personal losses. It leaves her exhausted. She can be easily affected by the plight of others. Complete strangers.

It's not easy being so highly attuned to the energies and emotions around her. On the other hand, the benefits are lifetime relationships with people she loves. Being a social person, Shirley thrives when we get together with family and friends.

Are you an empath? There's a fun test at the Personality Lab online if you'd like to get to know yourself with the Enneagram test. While objective empathy level testing is difficult this is one test that has gained acceptance among the scientific community.

As it stands, needless to say, I'm blessed to live with an empath who always has my back.