Being an intuitive empath is more than just experiencing empathy for others. It’s about instinctively feeling and understanding the emotions of those around you as if they were your own.
This deep connection to others’ feelings can be a bit overwhelming, but it also provides a unique perspective on the world. It allows you to see things from multiple points of view and can be a powerful tool when used correctly.
So, are you an intuitive empath? Well, there are 10 behaviors that are telltale signs.
1) Absorbing emotions
One of the key characteristics of an intuitive empath is the ability to absorb emotions.
Unlike most people who can sympathize with someone’s feelings, empaths literally feel others’ emotions in their own body. It’s as if they have an emotional sponge that soaks up the feelings of those around them.
This doesn’t just apply to people they know well either. It could be a stranger on the street, a character from a movie or even someone they’ve just met. If that person is experiencing strong emotions, an intuitive empath will likely feel it too.
2) Sensing dishonesty
As an intuitive empath myself, I’ve noticed that one of my most profound abilities is sensing dishonesty. There’s just this gut feeling I get when someone isn’t being truthful.
Let me share a quick story. I once had a friend who seemed to be doing perfectly fine. She was all smiles, assuring everyone that everything was perfect in her life. However, every time I was around her, I felt a strange discomfort, an uneasiness that I couldn’t shake off.
Eventually, I decided to address it and asked her if she was truly okay. After a moment’s hesitation, she broke down and confessed she’d been going through some tough times and was trying to put on a brave face.
That’s when it hit me. My gut feelings weren’t random. They were my empathic abilities picking up on the incongruence between her words and her true feelings.
That’s the power of being an intuitive empath. We can sense when something isn’t right, even when people are doing their best to hide it. It’s almost like having a built-in lie detector. But with this ability also comes responsibility; it’s crucial to use it wisely and compassionately.
3) Need for solitude
Intuitive empaths often crave time alone. This isn’t due to antisocial tendencies, but rather a need to recharge.
You see, constantly absorbing others’ emotions can be quite draining. Imagine carrying not just your emotional baggage, but the emotional weight of everyone around you – it can be quite a load.
That’s where solitude comes in. It provides a sanctuary, a place for empaths to decompress and let go of the emotions they’ve picked up.
Interestingly, this is aligned with the findings of Dr. Elaine Aron, who discovered that around 15-20% of the population are considered “Highly Sensitive People” (HSPs), many of whom share the characteristic of needing time alone to recharge.
4) Deeply moved by nature
Intuitive empaths often share a special bond with nature. They don’t just see a walk in the park as exercise—it’s a full-on sensory experience. The sound of leaves rustling, the smell of fresh earth, the sight of lush greenery—all these elements come together, creating a healing and rejuvenating atmosphere.
It’s akin to a natural emotional detox for empaths, helping them shake off the emotions and energies they’ve absorbed from others.
Bottom line – you know you might be an intuitive empath when you constantly feel drawn to nature and experiences a profound sense of peace there might indicate you’re an intuitive empath. It’s like a recharge for your soul, a way for you to heal and find balance.
5) Highly intuitive
It’s in the name, isn’t it? Intuitive empaths possess a heightened level of intuition. This goes beyond just having a ‘gut feeling’ about situations or people. It’s an innate ability to understand and interpret things that aren’t immediately apparent.
This could manifest in various ways. Maybe you often know who’s calling before you check your phone, or perhaps you can sense what someone is going to say before they say it. These aren’t mere coincidences; they’re evidence of your heightened intuition at work.
Being highly intuitive also means that you’re likely to trust your instincts more than the average person. You understand that your intuition is a powerful guide and ally, helping you navigate through life’s complexities.
6) Deep capacity for love
Intuitive empaths have this deep capacity for love because they’re highly tuned in to emotions.
I mean, they’re not just good at understanding feelings, but practically feel them on a soul level. Their sensitivity lets them pick up on all those emotional subtleties without even trying.
And here’s the cool part: it’s this deep capacity for love that makes them emotion detectives, spotting subtle cues that often go unnoticed. So, why are they so good at love? It’s this mix of heightened sensitivity, emotional smarts, and a natural gift for connecting with others on a deep emotional level.
However, this deep capacity for love also means that you can be hurt easily. The downside of loving so deeply is feeling pain just as intensely. But don’t forget that it’s this vulnerability that makes your love so powerful and transformative.
7) Overwhelmed by crowds
I’ve always found crowded places to be a bit too much for me. Shopping malls during holiday seasons, jam-packed concerts, even a bustling city street can leave me feeling drained and anxious.
It took me a while to realize that this wasn’t about being introverted or shy; it was about being an empath. In crowded places, there are just too many emotions and energies swirling around, and it can be quite overwhelming.
For me, the key is finding balance. I’ve learned to limit my exposure to large crowds and make sure to schedule some quiet time afterwards to decompress and recharge.
If you also find yourself feeling drained or stressed in crowded places, it could be a sign that you’re an intuitive empath. It’s about understanding your boundaries and learning how to protect your energy.
8) Drawn to healing professions
Many intuitive empaths find themselves drawn to healing professions. This could range from healthcare and therapy to teaching and coaching. It’s no surprise really, given their inherent desire to help and heal others.
Being an empath allows you to understand people on a deeper level, making it easier to guide them through their struggles. It’s as if you have this innate ability to see through the fog of their emotions and find a path towards healing.
However, it’s important for empaths in these professions to practice self-care. Absorbing the emotional struggles of others can be taxing, so make sure you’re also taking care of your own emotional wellbeing.
9) Super creative
Empaths who are intuitive and feel others’ emotions strongly often have a talent for being creative. They use their creativity to express and understand their own emotions better. This creative side acts like a tool that helps them explore their feelings and turn them into things like art, writing, or music.
For these empaths, being creative is like a form of therapy that lets them show what’s going on inside. It’s a way for them to discover more about themselves and feel connected to the world. The mix of intuition and creativity doesn’t just help them grow personally; it often leads to art that feels real and deep.
10) Struggle with boundary management
Intuitive empaths often struggle with setting boundaries because they deeply feel the emotions of others. And guess what? This makes it tough for them to say no or set limits, as they might feel a strong responsibility for other people’s happiness. They end up putting others’ needs before their own, forgetting to take care of themselves.
Additionally, intuitive empaths can find it hard to tell the difference between their own feelings and the emotions they pick up from others. This mix-up can tire them out emotionally and make it challenging to create healthy limits.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to learn how to create and keep boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health.
Embracing empathy
At the core of being an intuitive empath is the profound capacity for empathy. This ability to feel and understand others’ emotions as if they were your own is a rare gift, one that allows you to connect with people on a level that most can’t.
Being an intuitive empath is not about fitting into the norm, but about embracing who you are and using your abilities to make a difference. It’s about understanding that your sensitivity isn’t a weakness, but rather a strength that allows you to experience life with a depth of emotion and understanding that is truly unique.
As you navigate through your journey as an empath, remember this: What you have is a gift. It might not always be easy, but it is undoubtedly special. Embrace your empathy, cherish your intuition, and remember – you’re not alone.