The Double Life Of An Empath

If you are an Empath, there is a good chance you go through life feeling like you lead a double life. Why? because too often, you end up wearing a โ€˜maskโ€™ when spending time with certain others.

When I say mask, Iโ€™m not talking literally. I simply mean not being oneโ€™s true self.

Wearing a mask is a common theme for all humans, but as most Empaths tend to detest inauthenticity, it may seem a little weird.

I recently read that the Japanese believe that everyone has three faces: The face we show the world, the face we show our family and close friends, and the face we show no one.

It Is Our Hidden Face That Is Apparently Our Truest Reflection.

Many Empaths will probably admit that the only time they are their truest self is when at home or when alone.

But there is a good reason an Empath may hide the truth of themselves behind a mask when with certain peopleโ€ฆ and itโ€™s not to get them to like us.

empaths love alone time

When we awaken as an Empath, a new way of life is gradually revealed. Not only do we come to embrace and appreciate our unusual traits โ€“ traits that set us apart from others โ€“ but we start experiencing more synchronicities, develop greater intuition, and discover a new outlook. Everything we have experienced when around people, emotionally and physically, finally makes sense. We understand our need for time alone, why we feel crazy energy when in busy places, and why we experience overpowering emotions when with certain people.

Related: Highly Sensitive Person Relationships: 10 Secrets To A Successful HSP โ€“ Non-HSP Marriage

โ€˜Yesโ€™, we holler, โ€˜Empath life is a very real phenomenon. We are not the only ones!โ€™

We may become so excited by our newfound knowledge that we want to shout it from the rooftops! Tell the world who we are, what we know, feel, see and intuit. We have an explanation for all the inexplicable things weโ€™ve experienced, throughout life, and we want to share it with anyone who will listenโ€ฆ

Sadly, this enthusiasm, to share our new discovery, is short-lived. We quickly come to understand it is no easy feat to discuss the ways of an Empath. Discovering who we are, it would seem, was the easy part!

When An Empath Comes Across Fake People

Oh, we may try to explain our traits. The reasoning behind our Empath ways seem so simple, why wouldnโ€™t anyone else understand? But when we try, we are greeted with drooping jaws, wide eyes, and blank expressions.

How is it that something we were so excited to discover holds no interest or is unbelievable to others?

We soon learn that people find it difficult to believe what they donโ€™t experience themselves. Itโ€™s as though if itโ€™s not being openly discussed or acknowledged in the media it canโ€™t be real. Itโ€™s just too weird or โ€˜woo-woo!โ€™

That is not to say no one accepts Empath traits. There are some who are very open to learn about the ways of an Empath, but it is not the majority. As we go along, we come to recognize to whom we can discuss our ways and those with whom we should stay quiet, by the energy they emit.

Empaths like to live authentically and liberated. It feels uncomfortable to keep our traits to ourselves. But it is also uncomfortable to open up to another, who either doesnโ€™t want to know or doesnโ€™t believe.

But there is also another reason many Empaths donโ€™t open up, and itโ€™s to make the lives of others more comfortable.

What do I mean?

It Is Part Of An Empathโ€™s Nature To Be Protective Of Others.

The last thing we want to do is cause discomfort or โ€˜freak anyone outโ€™ by revealing that we can feel their emotions or know things about them that they are trying to hide.

Empaths can feel your emotions

People donโ€™t like it if they know another can โ€˜see through themโ€™.

So, although we may feel like we are living a double life, by not telling those around us that we can feel their energy, we soon learn that itโ€™s ok.

Not everyone is ready to know about an Empathโ€™s traits. We have to respect the journey of others. And, as long as we work to be our best selves and to understand who we are and why weโ€™re here, we shouldnโ€™t worry about not revealing ourselves.

Related: 15 Things That Lead To Frequent Emotional Burnout in Empaths and HSP

This post is really to let you know that if you feel like you are living a lie, by not revealing yourself, donโ€™t worry, you are certainly not alone.

If, however, you have come to a stage where you want to be more open and reveal who you really are, then the Traits of an Empath Uncovered will give you the pointers you need. It will help you better understand your traits so you can better explain them to others. Read an excerpt here.


Written by: Diane Kathrine
Originally appeared on: Theknowing1
Republished with permission
double life of an empath pin

— Share —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Dear Empaths, This is Why You are Beautiful.

โ€œTo feel much for others and little for ourselves, that to restrain our selfish, and to indulge our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature; and can alone produce among mankind that harmony of sentiments and passions in which consists their whole grace and propriety.โ€

โ€” Adam Smith, 1759. โ€œThe Theory of Moral Sentiments.โ€

Up Next

8 Ways To Build Self Empathy And Stop Beating Yourself Up

Stop the cycle of negativity and embrace compassion towards yourself. Learn these 8 essential ways to build self empathy, and shift from self-criticism to self-care!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

(Adapted from The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff MD, 2024 Sounds True Publishing)

Up Next

Empathic Leadership: 5 Top Traits Of Leaders Who Lead With Heart

Empathic leadership is all about leading with heart. Letโ€™s explore the top 5 traits of an empathetic leader and how to truly be compassionate and effective in connecting with your team.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Empathy is a vital leadership skill in our world.

Thereโ€™s a hunger for em

Up Next

What Is A Sigma Empath? 5 Signs Of A Sigma Empath You Canโ€™t Afford To Ignore

Have you ever come across someone who possesses an aura of mystery, strength, and deep sensitivity? Then you might just have encountered a rare and fascinating personality type โ€“ the Sigma Empath. But wait, what is a sigma empath?

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

A Sigma Empath seems to exude a quiet confidence, often choosing solitude over social gathe

Up Next

6 Most Empathic Zodiac Signs: Are You One of Them?

We all know what empathy is; itโ€™s seeing things through the eyes of someone else, not just understanding their emotions, but feeling them too! And the 6 most empathic zodiac signs are natural at this!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

These are the most compassionate zodiac signs owing to their innate

Up Next

Are Empaths On The Autism Spectrum? Exploring Similarities And Uniqueness

Ever thought, โ€œare empaths on the autism spectrumโ€? Letโ€™s explore the shared traits and unique aspects of both. Discover the gifts and hurdles that come with being an empath or being on the autism spectrum.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Are Empaths on the Autism Spectrum?

Up Next

Empath or Enabler? Truths About Toxic Empathy And 5 Ways To Break Free

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be overly sensitive and emotionally drained by the problems of others? Can too much empathy be harmful? Is there such a thing as toxic empathy?

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

While empathy is considered a valuable trait that promotes understanding and compassion, there is a lesser-known phenomenon called toxic empat