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We often feel sorry for strangers, and that's considered normal. However, some people take it to the next level by also feeling bad for inanimate objects - the reasons will have you in stitches.
Although it's not something that's openly discussed, these emotions are often genuine and can be explained by science.
According to Healthline, the term empath comes from empathy, which is the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of others outside of your own perspective. “Empaths have a higher sensitivity to outside stimuli such as sounds, big personalities, and hectic environments. They bring a lot of heart and care to the world and feel things very deeply,” San Diego-based therapist, Kim Egel says.
Answering the question: Have you ever felt empathy for an object? on Quora, this user responded:
- I feel sorry for mugs which don’t get used much, so I sometimes use them purely out of sympathy.
- I once bought a coconut — and then at the last minute, I just couldn’t bring myself to crack its skull open. So I kept it as a pet.
- When I go home to my mum’s, I feel a bit uncomfortable around my old books and toys and things. They seem so stuck in the past — so unable to move on.
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- When I let my room turn into a mess I say, “sorry room i’ll clean you up when I have time.”
- When I accidentally hit the kerb and feel the rims scrape against it I say, “I’m so so sorry Axel [the car's name].”
“Sorry Axel I’ll feed you soon,” when my car is low on gas.
- If I’m out for a long time I always say “Hi room, how are you?” as I open the door.
- I also thank a lot of things after I use it such as a vacuum or washing machine. I know how weird it sounds. I always think ‘what if these things really do have feelings’. Obviously I know they don’t. Lol.
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We also asked a number of women to share if they feel empathy for inanimate object. Get a tissue ready because these answers are... let’s say a series of outrageous and uproarious humour.
Social Psych Online calls giving human characteristics to no-humans ‘anthropomorphizing’. Psychologists Nicholas Epley, Adam Waytz, and John Cacioppo in their study titled On seeing human: A three-factor theory of anthropomorphism, say people perceive life in inanimate objects when they know what human qualities might apply, when they want to understand the object’s behaviour, and when they crave social contact.
Here are 7 signs that you are an empath by Author Judith Orloff, MD:
Empaths are highly sensitive
Empaths can easily have their feelings hurt. Empaths are often told that they are “too sensitive” and need to toughen up.
Empaths absorb other people’s emotions
Empaths are highly attuned to other people’s moods, good and bad. They feel everything, sometimes to an extreme.
Many empaths are introverted
Empaths become overwhelmed in crowds, which can amplify their empathy. They tend to be introverted and prefer one to one contact or small groups.
Empaths are highly intuitive
It is important for empaths to develop their intuition and listen to their gut feelings about people.
Empaths need alone time
As super-responders, being around people can drain an empath so they periodically need alone time to recharge their batteries
Empaths have highly tuned senses
An empath’s nerves can get frayed by noise, smells, or excessive talking.
Empaths become replenished in nature
The hype of everyday life can be too much for an empath. The natural world nourishes and restores them.
Do you think inanimate objects have feelings? Tell us here.
Sources: Quora, Social Psych Online, Healthline
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