Empathy scale
Contents
About
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NEWSFLASH: I've also published a shorter version of this article to medium.com! Please support me by adding a "clap" at: The Empathy Scale |
This scale is based on my Empath articles, especially the Empath / Highly Sensitive Person Tests. We should all know what empathy means, but the concept of "empath" goes a little beyond a person who feels great empathy - it can mean empathy is so ingrained in you that feeling deeply isn't an option... and it can also imply you have more sensitivity to light, sound, smell and touch. If you found this article, you probably don't need any extra explanation. A similar, but related concept is the "highly sensitive person (HSP)" on which there is quite an amazing book.
My Graphical Representation of the "Empathy Scale" (0-10)
Everyone is an "Empath" Suddenly
I'm sometimes guilty of assuming anyone who shows some emotion is an empath, and I'll often get excited and refer them to my Empath article. Did I do this to you? Oh sh**, sorry about that! The truth is being an empath is the cool hip thing to be in some circles and a lot of people identify as empath without realizing that it's a scale... just like everything else. You cried once in a war movie and you've discovered you have feelings. That's not an empath - not even close. And now I sound pretentious like I'm higher on the scale and more evolved. I wish I could orgasm when the wind changes... or maybe not, that could be awkward. This scale is all about humour. If you're interested in the inspiration do the Empath / Highly Sensitive Person Tests and see what comes up.
Asking if Someone is an Empath
I still think the test is a fun way to ask if someone has empathy, but not many people here are going to answer 0 or 1. I do believe there are people out there who are highly sensitive and don't fit your typical rules. You could be introverted or extroverted. You could be rich or poor, good or bad. There are some benevolent people that show the hallmarks of a psychopath if you analyse their behaviour. Only time will tell if someone is kind and empathetic, or just pretending to be "woke".
Still, it's fun to ask... here is the text feeling:
Hey, so I'm curious where you are on the empathy scale (0 to 10).
10 = I can have an energetic orgasm every time I feel the wind in my hair.
...
5 = I have feelings sure, but I don’t consider myself highly sensitive.
...
0 = Basically a robot, but I get shit done. Also, I'm a CEO. Get a job you hippies.
Disclaimer
This scale is not calibrated in any way... it is the most ridiculous of my scales so far, because everyone is so different, and you can't really calibrate what it means to be a highly sensitive person. Instead of giving a number you might just list which of these things, associated with HSPs, apply to you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Noske
PS: Feedback is most encouraged! :)
See Also
- Narcissism scale - Closely related... often (but not always) with an inverse correlation.
- Woo-Woo scale - A fairly similar/related scale.
- Empath / Highly Sensitive Person Tests - Slightly more official test.
