Empaths are kind of hard to understand when you are not one yourself and it is really hard for the empath to tell you how it feels to feel you. So, if you are not an empath, but are associated with an empath here are some tips to make sure they’re comfortable as often as they can be.
- Suggest the empath get training
At least here in Colorado, there are pagan/ new age shops that offer classes and seminars designed to help empaths become more comfortable in their own skin. They usually run around $30 or so and even though I haven’t taken one, I hear they can be beneficial. Typically what one is looking for in these trainings is learning how to control sensory input and how not to be overwhelmed. They usually also teach empaths how to prepare themselves to go to public events and exist in large groups without losing themselves.
If such trainings are not available I’m sure there are books out there on the subject and if money is tight, libraries have inter-library loan systems so that if they don’t carry a certain book at their branch, they can request it. - Do not “Are you okay?” them to death
Although it is probably a good idea to check on your empath to make sure that they are okay in a certain situation, take the first “yes” as an answer. The more you ask, the more anxiety they start to have. Not just because they start questioning whether or not they’re okay, but because you’re projecting anxiety. Which leads us to … - Keep your energies and emotions in check
Try not to emote all over your empath. Even when you are upset or having a bad day, try to remember that they get the full extent of what you feel and probably then some. And if your empath is currently not adept in handling their own issues, try to remember that your emotions (even the happy ones) can cause them undue stress and anxiety. So, even though this empath is your best friend, they are probably not the person to dump your rants on (all the time). I’m not saying become a living doll or robot around them. Just be considerate that you are laying your entire weight on their chest when you do that. Give them some time to rest and recover. - Become a safe place
Become a person and space an empath can enter without worrying about having to deal with all the shit floating around in the atmosphere. If you are pagan, cleanse your person and self to get rid of excess energies. Filter your aura and put up shields when they are around as to allow them to be with someone without absorbing their emotions. Ground and center when you are together so that you both start out on neutral. - Don’t treat them like they’re disabled
No, really. That shit is rude. Do not become over protective, sheltering, or smothering. Do not feel like you have to go out of your way to make an empath comfortable. Do not enable. Do not treat them like they are handicapped. They can feel that and it is insulting.
This is not to say that an empath cannot be disabled. There is nothing wrong with being disabled. However, the way people treat differently-abled people can be nothing less than insensitive. Be aware of how your actions affect others. - Just be a friend
Let them talk. Don’t feel like you need to answer everything they say. Simply being there for them to emote is good enough, sometimes. You do not have to fix their problems. Being a friend also means that you do not dismiss it when your empath says that they’re not feeling right. Do not tell them that they are imagining, over exaggerating, or should calm down. Again, that shit is rude. - “I think my child is an empath”
Yeah, that happens. Be very patient, keep adult conversations and problems outside of the home. If you are having money troubles or things like that, you and your significant other need to take that shit to IHOP or something. Do not taint that child’s space. It causes a lot of emotional damage that they will not be able to trace.
School life is going to be hard. Be very patient. Teach them breathing exercises, how to go to a “happy place” and how to find physical quiet spaces, like bathrooms, the nurses office, or empty classrooms. If teachers call and ask about your child’s strange behavior, defend your kid, man.
Be very patient. - Take “no” for an answer
Look, it might suck that the empath is your only option for company on nights out, but if they’re not up to it, they’re not up to it. Being an empath can be exhausting and often requires time to recuperate. They’ll get you next time. They feel bad enough about it. Lay off. - Offer to take the load
When I have bad empath days, the best thing for me is to have my husband do all of the outside things and allow me to sit in a corner somewhere and just exist. Offering to do errands, talk to people, or even deal with customer service representatives on behalf of your empath is a great assistance, believe me. - Have a sense of humor
Have a freaking good time with your empath. Let them absorb some good emotions. Have a laugh. It’s good for everyone.