Have you ever wondered if you are an Empath? Have you asked someone, “What are the characteristics of an Empath”? Do you have a sense that you are one and just want confirmation? Below are some of the different characteristics that an Empath holds within them.
Characteristics of an Empath – Short Version
- Highly Sensitive
- Good Listener
- Committed & Giving
- Intuitive
- Constantly Fatigued & Overwhelmed
- Drawn to Health Wellness
- Mood Swings
- Truth Seeker
- Creative
- Pulled towards Nature & Animals
- Love of Water
- Crave Solitude
- Day or Lucid Dreamer
- Seek Adventure
- Trustworthy
- Strong Leader
- Rule Breaker
- Lover vs Fighter
- Nurturer
- Morally Strong
- Addictive Behaviors
- Tradition & Family Cultures
Characteristics of an Empath – Explained
Highly Sensitive
Empaths are sensitive people and can become upset or anxious with happening in their outer world. Most things which can cause emotional and physical sensitivity is violence, cruelty, scary, shocking, and abuse to name a few. These things can bring an Empath to tears, physically ill; as well as becoming emotionally upset just by viewing TV or incidences in the personal presence or sometimes even just hearing about an injustice of an incident.
Their sensitivity can be of others’ emotions, pains, illness, and stresses. Due to their highly sensitive gifts they tend to take on these things within themselves. They mirror the exact feeling you may be having and with this have a hard time distinguishing yours from theirs. As the Empath matures, they can develop better control of these things from being taken internally by grounding and protecting themselves.
Good Listener
An Empath is known to be a good listener and communicates well to others. Do to their listening abilities they can guide the conversation with sincerity; giving others the confidence to express their deepest thoughts and feelings.
Committed & Giving
Empaths can be very committed to the relationships in their life, be it good or bad. It is difficult for them to disconnect from the bad relationships. This is not the best personally for the empath as their feelings are usually the ones that get hurt. On the other side, they are the best friend one could have in a good relationship as they are very loyal, trustworthy, and have your back. They definitely give more than they receive from others.
Intuitive

Empaths experience the sense of knowing and spirituality. Their knowing is unwavering and unquestionable. They are very capable of reading others and without any help or clues. They have the ability to describe what’s really happening beneath the surface, emotionally. They are able tell if someone is not telling the truth and not speaking their own truth. The more they are comfortable with their gift they are stronger in the abilities themselves. They are drawn to the spiritual realms and to the unexplained; and will actively pursue the truth of what they are researching about.
Constantly Fatigued or Overwhelmed
Empaths are drawn to people whom need help emotionally, physically and spiritually. They seem to take on more than their share of the work load of helping. Since they are sensitive to the surrounding energies, they tend to take these energies as their own becoming fatigued It helps them to replenish their energy by taking time to meditate, nap, or go on retreats. Another factor is becoming overwhelmed. Public places can overwhelm the Empath. There are so many energies, emotions, that the Empath can sense. An Empath must learn how to control these feelings and stay grounded to enable them to experience their life with their own emotions rather than those of others.
Drawn to Health Wellness
Whether it is a career you are interested in as a professional healthcare giver or a holistic healer, those who have a strong empathy from a young age are drawn to these fields be it doing or learning. At an early age, they are drawn to these fields due to the pull to help be it animals or humans by healing or helping them by one degree or another. Some will be drawn for the learning aspect of it in order to help, while others want to get in the trenches to make that difference in the healthcare professions. Each is drawn for a different aspect but all are for helping others and animals alike.
Mood Swings
Empaths can experience very extreme highs and lows emotionally. One minute they can be the happiest person in the world the next they are crying, sad, or withdrawn. This can be for several reasons. One – they are feeling the emotions of another or they are feeling the confusion which surrounds them. Some of these episodes occur when an Empath feels as though they are not being listened to or getting the attention they seek. They become so overwhelmed with emotion and have a hard time knowing how to handle it.
Truth Seeker
Empaths are curious and seekers of the truth. If an Empath thinks you are not telling the truth, they now have a mission to find out just that and why the lie. Their curious and want to know all the answers to the questions they have. They feel that everything has an answer and that everything should be understood.

Creative
Empaths are very talented creatively and can express their talents whatever they may be. Their love to tell stories can captivate a crowd through their vivid imagination and ease of communication. They possess the ability to take a picture and have you experience it as if you were actually there. Empaths like artists, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, poets and designers; enjoy sharing their vision of the world through their known art.
Pulled Towards Nature & Animals
Most Empaths have the immediate feel the unconditional love that comes from dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and others. Easily accepted by these creatures due to the loving nature of their deeper connection with them. Most are drawn to and become strong advocates against cruelty of animals. Empaths enjoy the outdoors, being in forests, mountains and feel connected to the land. Using this as an escape in order to rejuvenate their senses from the busy bustle of the world.
Love of Water
They believe that water is the cleansing super-power of the world. Drawn to swim in the sea, float in a pool, walk in the rain, sit in a stream, take a hot shower, or soak in a tub; all in order to get away from the thoughts of the day. Empaths have the ability to feel the healing properties of the water. The water makes them feel comfortable and calm from those properties.
Crave Solitude
Although most Empaths are socially active, they like to escape from all of it in order to enjoy the tranquility of their own space. A quiet place to read, watch a movie, utilize their artistic en devours, or pursuing a hobby. This tendency is shown from childhood throughout their entire lifetime. Within their solitude, they have an ability to place things in their homes, feel the energies, and when chaos is felt, while uncluttering it for a better vib and tranquility.
Day & Lucid Dreamer
Empaths have a need to be stimulated by several things. They give to several projects and offer their energy whether it is for school, family, friends, or work; without any thought of themselves. If they feel that the project does not stimulate their senses they become bored and do not complete it. They become distracted, fidget and/or doodle in go off into their own daydream. When they dream while sleeping, they tend to have vivid, colorful dreams whereas they are awake and by having the ability to control their dream content. They innately have a strong desire to interpret their dreams. By interpreting their dreams they have the thought that they can find answers to guide them through the physical awake life.
Seek Adventure
Empaths are spontaneous by nature and enjoy a good adventure; tending to seek adventure in travel and far off places. Being free spirits, they wish to travel to leave the constraints of the world behind them. Empaths don’t normally take the time they need to achieve their passion for adventure and this leaves them restless and agitated.
Trustworthy
Strangers are drawn to Empaths. You are like a magnet and people find it easy to talk to you. People resonate with Empaths on a deeper emotional and meaningful level. They often feel like they have known you forever. Human being have an innate sense of trust when they meet someone by their presence. An empath can make even the most introverted of people relax and calm in order to communicate their life and their feelings.
Strong Leader
Although the Empath is known to be quieter than most; they can be found in the position of leadership. Leaders whom are leaders have the ability to focus, organize & supportive, quick thinking, inspire, and can motive others with poise. Comfortable in the teaching of others, giving sincere praise rather than accepting it, and often found mediating for balance of harmony.
Rule Breaker
Empaths consider life that is routine, with repetition and rules; to be mundane and creatively hindering; seeking ways to express their love of creative expression, any way they can. If that is by breaking a few rules to do so they will. They like to challenge themselves and this goes for others as well. Spontaneous by nature and this too can help with the rule breaking.
Lover vs Fighter

Empaths are lovers NOT fighters, as they love people for whom they are and in all ways. As much as they love others, they find it harder to achieve self-love. They tend to feel that by not helping others they are being selfish, when in fact they forget about themselves. They do not like getting involved with others fights or disagreements. They rather be a helping hand in the avoidance of the fight before it actually starting; finding it uncomfortable when things are dragged out and would rather communicate rationally for the resolution.
Nurturer
An Empath will never ask someone to tell them something they do not want to hear. If someone was wrong in a situation, they will approach the conversation with honesty and thought. Empaths care deeply for others and want to make sure they are helping a situation and not creating further issues. Nurturers at heart and not an enabler.
Morally Strong
The moral compass of an Empath is honesty and truth. They believe that everything should be rooted in honesty. If they find that they have been lied to, they become hurt, disappointed and disillusioned. They will have a hard time not being sensitive about the fact that another person is being dishonest with them. More likely than not, they become unable to trust the people whom lied to them.
Addictive Behaviors
When an Empath tries to disconnect from the bombardment of the world, they may find it difficult to do so. Unable to deal with those moments, then the addictive behaviors could be displayed. What Empaths try to do is drown out the noise, numb themselves, or distract their attention by smoking, drinking, drugs, over eating or gambling. With doing this, the Empath could actually heighten the sensitivity and create greater issues for themselves.
Visionary
Empaths are visionaries, mixed with the adventurous love for life; they afford themselves the potential to feed their minds by doing things they love to do. The thought that they are capable of achieving great things and think outside the box by pushing boundaries keeps them thinking and striving for bigger experiences for those around them, as well as themselves.
Tradition & Family Cultures
The love of ancient or indigenous cultures, and family lineage are a few things that are of interest to an Empath. They tend to love to hear the stories of different cultures and the long held traditions of family lore. They like the family tree, photographs of relatives, and where they came from; while sensing the greater connection to their purpose. These Empath people are those who will continue family knowledge, heirlooms and stories for future generations.
Conclusion
Like anything else, characteristics of an Empath are interpretive. The characteristics on the most part are the same across the board but with variations. There are many sites on this subject, which are similar in nature. If you are trying to find out if you are an Empath, do your homework. Research and read several sites and see what you feel. If you are an Empath, you already know that emotions and feelings are a big part of your reality in this experience. I wanted to give you and others a part of the information, that I have come to know to be true. This is how I was able to feel whole and know who or what I am. It has given many peace by knowing, feeling and realizing the similarities as well as the differences. Good luck to you on your journey.
Love and Light
Characteristics of an Empath – Copyright © All Rights Reserved
Hi, what is an empath? It is interesting because lots of these seem to fit who I am, however I am not a huge fan of water. Maybe because I am a fire symbol. I am a gregarious and my life path number (numerology) is a 5. which is the number of change. So my destiny is constant change.
I definitely am drawn to addictions, adventure, health, I am a dreamer, I crave solitude, trustworthy,good listener, and lots more.
Its strange that every website I comment on is always in alignment with things that I am interested in. Have you found that to be the same for yourself?
Great article. Thanks.
.
Thank you for the comments. Honestly, the reason you are receiving these types of articles is due to you being ready to hear and learn about them. The universe sends us things when we are receptive to them. I wish you the best on your journey and enjoy the ride!
With all these that you have listed here, it is only safe that I adjudged that my wife is an empath. she just pops up out of nowhere with her emotions. sometimes, she is very happy and plays a lot and the very moment, she snaps and lock up. I have gotten angry at this for quite a lot of time but then, it seemed like I was only wasting time so, I decided to research more about it and love her the way she is so that I can help provide a solution for her. And this post has helped me to understand er nature more better.
Oh I am so glad the article helped you to understand her in a loving manner. We are made up of differences and its sometimes easy to react rather than to learn. Thank you for learning and I am sure your wife will appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and comments.
You can not be more right with your list here of what an empath displays as characteristics and for this reason, most people often do not take note of all these, they just think that they act in a particular way just because of what their nature is like and not for the real reason by which they act upon a certain thing. This has really broaden a lot of things about my knowledge on who an empath is and surely, worthy of my time reading this here.
Thank you Bella for your comments. I am glad you enjoyed the read.
I would have to say that I am definitely an empath.
I have most of the characteristics and highly sensitive is at the top of the list.
Being a good listener is one of my biggest attributes.
I wouldn’t say I’m a rule breaker though.
But out of all these characteristics, I would say that I crave solitude the most.
I do well all alone most times and gives me the time to think. It makes me stronger too.
Being a lover is much better than being a fighter. Wouldn’t you agree?
Yes, I agree. Thank you for the comments as well.
This is a very interesting article and I enjoyed reading it. I can relate to most of the attributes of an empath. High on the list for me would be a great listener, artistic, craving solitude and feeling the connection with animals and nature. The need to have solitude for me is like recharging my battery, as it’s difficult being around crowds.
Lovely article Dorri. I look forward to reading more on your website!