Having Empathy Vs Feeling Responsible For Someone’s Feelings

Having Empathy:

• I can compassionately listen to what you’re going through.
• I can understand your feelings about this.
• I know when I need my own space or when I am at my emotional limit.
• I can understand your behavior and have boundaries.

Feeling Responsible:

• I take your problem on as my problem regularly.
• I have to “make” you feel better, or step in and fix the issue.
• I often feel resentment, taken advantage of, or chronic stress.
• I focus on rescuing, fixing, saving and enabling behaviors.