10 Unusual Abilities Empathetic People Have

Empaths have an above-average emotional intelligence. They have the distinctive ability and willingness to recognize, understand and empathize with the sensations, emotions, thoughts, motives and personality traits of another person. In this article, we would like to introduce you to what exactly makes empaths so special, based on ten exemplary characteristics.

1. Empaths read faces

Every person reveals their feelings through their facial expressions. Most of the time this happens involuntarily. Joy, sadness and fear shape what we see in facial features, which don’t lie about natural, honest feelings. As a rule, these are clearly visible, except in certain situations where one is suppressing expressions of emotion.

Yet empathic people have the ability to read facial expressions nonetheless. Even if the other person is good at hiding emotions, the empath can still receive subliminal emotional signals. This is due to their gift of being able to focus on the person completely. In doing so, they study him or her not only on a rational level, but also on an emotional level.

2. Empaths understand what is being said

What applies to facial expressions is also the case with language. Empathic people take their interlocutors into intense focus during a conversation. Non-empathic people often don’t have a driving interest in absorbing information and therefore do not listen properly – many people don’t look their interlocutor in the face at all. This may also be due to people’s limited ability to absorb certain information.

The empath, on the other hand, takes in all the information, processes it, and automatically matches it with facial expressions. He is extremely attentive. In this way, empaths show their high regard for the other person. They show and feel understanding for what is said and can also build up a familiar interpersonal relationship.

3. Empaths evaluate gestures correctly

Facial expressions and speech are almost always accompanied by gestures, and it is not uncommon for some people to talk with their hands and feet. Sometimes it’s considered a sign of certain temperament. Empathic people are not only able to evaluate gestures correctly and to put them into context with the character and characteristics of their counterpart, they also have the ability to read more discreet body language. Hence they receive communication more effectively. Their receptivity here is much higher than what non-empathic persons demonstrate.

4. Empaths are able to deal with conflict

If empaths find themselves in a conflict, they seek open discussion. Even in disputes, they try to understand the other side and put themselves in the place of the other person. They always behave in a solution-oriented manner and show patience even when the other person exceeds limits of volume or tact. An empath’s emotions are always under control.

Again, they succeed here in the simultaneous absorption of information, linguistic and otherwise. At work, they can use this ability perfectly and deal with colleagues better. If the chemistry isn't right in a working relationship, empaths still find a way to communicate on a level that doesn't interfere with work productivity.

5. Empaths speak in pictures

Articulating oneself skillfully is not always easy; it requires a large vocabulary and creativity. Empaths have the ability to speak skillfully in pictures and create images in the other person's mind. This makes sense in a conversation because images are better remembered and not easily forgotten.

Empaths use elements of storytelling almost unconsciously, because their way of thinking works in this way. If someone does not understand something, empaths are able to explain things in a different, more understandable way. This ability clearly distinguishes them from non-empathic people.

6. Empaths inspire courage

Empaths have an eye for occasions that call for building up their fellow human beings. At work, this trait is one of their leadership qualities. Employees only show a high willingness to perform and work productively when they are motivated. The empath's positive attitude is especially evident in the face of setbacks.

7. Empaths invest time

People who have empathy spend time with their fellow human beings, even investing a large part of their availability on it. This is particularly effective in workplace scenarios, where seamless cooperation with colleagues is key. In addition, the empath’s interest is always professionally appropriate. Empaths always find the right amount of compassion and understanding without appearing pushy; they know how far they can go and how far they have to distance themselves.

8. Empaths are socially capable

Empaths have a large network of social contacts, they have friendships, and they benefit from promotions and mentorships in their professional environment. They use resources to learn and develop. They know that this is the only way they can achieve their goals. At the same time, they are exceptional team players. Their humility is particularly evident here.

9. Empaths show self-reflection

Empaths have the ability to question their own feelings as well. In these moments, they have a high degree of self-reflection. In this way, they also practice insight with regard to their own behaviors. Empaths can, of course, make mistakes. Unlike other people who lack empathy, however, they can see their mistakes. Subsequently, they think of methods to turn a negative situation into a positive one.

10. Empaths give praise

There are people who are always careful not to express praise; this may be due to envy, for example. They might find it difficult to leave positive feedback even when they see it’s needed. Often this is due to low self-esteem. Such things are far from the empath's mind. He gives praise where it is needed, and he can also give feedback to motivate others. That's it for today.