Are you too caring?

1. Become aware of when you become overwhelmed with other people's emotions - and take a step back. If necessary, spend some quiet time alone.
2. Make a real distinction between noticing that someone is unhappy, and having to do anything about that. Just because you empathise with their unhappiness, it doesn't mean you must solve it.
3. If, like many empathisers, you are a carer - professionally or looking after a family member - make sure you are not drained by your tendency to respond to others' needs. Get your own needs met too.
4. Develop the other side of your personality - the more technical side - to balance out your empathic tendencies. Learning to think logically, and to make decisions on practical rather than emotional grounds, will help you to balance out your feelings.
5. Don't just empathise with the bad stuff. Use your talent to spot when people are feeling good - and ride that wave with them too!

Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Stop Worrying - Start Living message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the message board right now: