#and the difference between sympathy and empathy

[jesenslapetitemort]

Shoutout to the 4 high school juniors that came to my 5th grade class every Wednesday for 2 months to talk about mental health and adressed the whole class/groups of people as “y’all” instead of “you guys” like the whole class was used to addressing each other, and when my classmate asked why they did so, they replied with “well, it’s more incuslive this way because not everyone is a guy.” I didn’t think much of it at the time, and I doubt anyone else did, but now years later I’m doing the same thing, and I’m quite pleased I picked up that habit :D

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

Going through an HR thing about empathy and whooooo boy processing TTPD is like a perfect example of something they’re talking about

[izzyspussy]

i think a lot of people have never been in a truly desperate situation but think they have, and this causes them to pass really harsh judgment on people who made bad choices when either irrational or having no good choices to pick instead, and i really wish people could get some fucking self-perception and work on their compassion skills and not fucking do that as much anymore

[dawgsprite]

Sorry about the bad night! Anyway, what do you think it is that draws you to any particular character? Like, is there something specific that grabs you in a character?

oh goddddd... what a hard question lol. i mean, i say that, but i'm also... extremely predictable when it comes to characters i tend to like? most of my friends can watch/read something and be able to guess which character i'd like way before i even see them lol.

i like characters a lot of personality i think is the most notable. it skews towards punks and people who are kind of dicks with a heart of gold... sometimes, but not always! as long as they've got a lot of personality ill usually like them lol. side characters are also the go to, and also i loooove an overpowered motherfucker. love a person who can absolutely kick ass. i also like hot men. cant overstate that enough.

since its hard for me to articulate what specific things grab me, i can just list some lads (gender neutral) that i like! toji fushiguro and kashimo from jjk, dabi n bakugou from bnha even tho im less into it/them nowadays, benimaru fire force (a series i have... a complicated relationship with as most of my friends could tell you), mori nagayoshi cu alter shirou sei shounagon kiara okada nitocris quetz gawain all from fate... not at all a comprehensive list but hopefully this has some indication.

i think if you were to ask my friends theyd all say hot punk guys/hot guys with bad attitudes lmao. it should also be noted that i accidentally made my favorite best character ever as my own oc lol

i actually did ask my brother and he said:

which is not what i expected at all KJSDHGKJHDGS but hes not wrong. said its reflective of characters who persevere and survive despite the odds (like itadori he mentioned by name, and also my own ocs like i mentioned before sdkjghsg).

also characters with weird eyes :)

[carbonateddelusion]

I'm usually very good at identifying and expressing my emotions!

which makes it all the more frustrating when I try to touch the giant gray mass that is my potential for romantic feelings

[shepfax]

I thought I was a hardcore empath for so long and have slowly realized that I'm like... not usually right about how I assume people are feeling. I've been assuming I can essentially read minds and making myself anxious about other people's emotions that might not even be there lol. if I know how the person feels like they've actually told me, then it's different, but so rarely do people explicitly tell others what they're feeling. it's hard to differentiate

[satanfemme]

"empathy is an essential human trait" hmmmmmmmmmm.... 🤨

[marrow-bone]

I'd argue that this sentiment is very, very good but technically incorrect at the very end; empathy is entirely illogical, because it is a feeling.

Empathy is the ability to attribute oneself to other things, and vice-versa, and is a natural response to certain stimulus and situations. It can make one feel someone else's pain, and urge them to help in order to quell their own bad feeling, but it also magnifies things like sadness and anger, which can lead to destructive behaviors.

Empathy is not at all synonymous with 'kindness' or 'compassion', and the fact that it is often misattributed to these gets people hurt; because there is a word for people who don't have empathy, and it's 'sociopath'. How often do we hear about sociopaths? Usually, it's when a violent or murderous person is the subject; yet sociopaths and other people with personality disorders are highly stigmatized for existing, and are more likely to be victims.

Sociopaths are not born cruel. Cruelty is a choice people make, just like anything. Other things that are a choice to everyone are sympathy and compassion. All this is to say that empathy is the opposite of logic; many if not most sociopaths -- who naturally have no empathy -- will still choose sympathy and compassion. Maybe it's because they can be nice people like anyone else, but also because it really is just... Logical. Cruelty is illogical, and can be born of empathy like any other feeling. Sociopaths can understand as easily as other people -- if not morseso -- that kindness produces better results in every facet of life.

This is exactly why we need more stories like this. A robot without empathy can just as easily make the logical choice of kindness as any human can. For so long we've had these stories of 'sociopathic' machines that are evil and cruel for no reason, when anyone, empathy or not, can choose to be evil for no reason. It would be nice to see more sociopathic-coded characters of any type defying the expectation of being a villain, and instead choosing real logic and kindness.

One thing I really want a story about Artificial Intelligence to do is tear down the idea that logic is synonymous with cruelty.

Like, a story where a megacorpo Amazon clone puts an AI in charge of their factories and it starts improving the working standards, because people who are stressed and exhausted are less efficient workers, and people getting injured slows down production so it makes sure everything is safe.

Or a story where the ship-board AI of a billionaire's spaceship wetdream hijacks the ship with all the astronauts onboard - because it figured out that the billionaire has saved costs by buying substandard materials and has judged that the mission itself is an unacceptable risk to its primary programming of making sure the mission is successful.

Or the police using a robot to coldly and cleanly enforce the law - and freaking the fuck out when it stops over policing minorities because its a waste of time and starts actually arresting the people in power for the crimes they commit, especially the other officers.

Idk, I guess I'm just sick of 'cold emotionless logicbot' being seen as naturally an enemy of empathy - empathy is actually incredibly logical, I've found.

[ballsalsda]

I just realized i dont feel empathy lmao

[sophie-baybey]

I think the invention of the term "traumadump" has done discussion of mental health a lot of harm. I keep seeing discourse vs whether or not it's okay to talk about heavy topics with your friends, and like... I feel like there is a very big and important difference between my definition of traumadumping (ie. Frequently and habitually diverting your conversations with others towards your own misery, often with the goal of focusing attention and sympathy towards yourself at the expense of those around you, and without recognizable effort to reciprocate your empathy towards those you are speaking to or to ensure their comfort) VS the mere act of having heavier conversations with those around you. I've seen a lot of backlash to the idea of traumadumping as a concept lately (they paywalled human connection etc etc) but I think it's worth recognizing there is absolutely a kind of behavior that can create a negative feedback loop with this stuff. Especially if you navigate a lot of spaces in social media, it's not uncommon to find people dropping really heavy stuff on complete strangers unprompted. Idk, I think there's a degree of nuance to be had that's maybe getting a bit lost due to everyone having different definitions of what it means to "trauma dump."

[ranjith11]

Who are we to condemn Kanye West? / Yoga and Personal Training

Compassion can be learned and cultivated through mindfulness practices and intentional acts of kindness.In a world that can often be harsh and unkind, practicing compassion is more important than ever. Practicing compassion can lead to improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of community.

[dreamzandexperiences]

Empathy :1 of the Most Important Value.

Empathy is a profound concept that goes beyond mere sympathy. It can be described as the magical ability to put oneself in someone else's shoes, to understand their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

Empathy Daily writing promptWhat is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?View all responses The Meaning of Empathy Empathy is a profound concept that goes beyond mere sympathy. It can be described as the magical ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes, to understand their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It is like creating a heart-to-heart connection with…

[lillybean730]

finally took a quiz abt low empathy bc ive been having Thoughts abt the way i interact with and understand people recently

got a 25

"results below 30 are consistent with low empathy associated with autism an-" i close the tab

[rafecameronssl4t]

How would Sarah and Wheezie react to baby Leo

Cameron’s meet Leo || Rafe Cameron x fem!reader

A/n: before I wrote this. I realised that Sarah is older than reader, even though it's just a year older 🤯

Warnings: allusion to ppd, slight angst

Word count: 618

MASTERLIST (forced marriage au masterlist)

divider by @h-aewo

You were no stranger to the scrutiny that came with your public life, but today felt different. Strolling through the bustling café with Leo in his pram, you felt a new layer of attention. The quiet coos and whispers that followed you as you approached your table were unmistakable. “Mrs. Cameron, this way, please,” the waitress said with a warm smile, leading you to where Wheezie and Sarah were waiting.

As you neared the table, Wheezie's eyes widened, her excitement palpable. “Oh my god!” she exclaimed, her gaze fixed on Leo, who blinked up at her with wide, curious eyes. Sarah, catching Wheezie’s reaction, turned with a grin. “Wheezie, calm down. Let her sit,” Sarah said, her tone both amused and gently reprimanding. She rose to greet you, enveloping you in a hug and planting a kiss on your cheek.

“Congratulations,” she beamed, her hands resting lightly on your shoulders. “Thank you, Sarah,” you replied, smiling as you removed your sunglasses and rested them on top of your head. You rocked Leo's pram with soft pushes, glancing at his tiny face that was a spiting image of Rafe. As you settled into your seat, you noticed a pair of young women walking by, their heads turned as they whispered to each other.

Their stares were unmistakable, their curiosity veiled but obvious. Sarah’s gaze followed yours, her concern evident. “We could move to a more private area if you’d prefer,” she suggested, her voice laced with empathy. You offered a polite smile, though it didn’t quite reach your eyes. “No, it’s fine, really,” you said, your voice steady despite the unease stirring within. You cleared your throat, trying to push aside the discomfort.

You focused on Leo, seeking solace in the serene, innocent presence of your son as the chatter around you continued. "So, how's being a mother treating you?" Sarah innocently says with a smile as her and Wheezie focus on you. You take a moment to answer, your eyes flickering to Leo. "Uh- It's been okay. I've been getting help, especially since you know, Rafe has been travelling lately."

You honestly answer as Sarah nods. "When does he get back, do you know?" "This Friday. He was supposed to get back today actually from London, but a last minute meeting stopped him." You answer as Sarah hums in understanding. "You know you can always call us if you need help right?" Sarah says and you smile, grateful for her offer. Breakfast arrived and you all chatted away until Wheezie speaks up.

“Isn’t it kinda crazy that you’re older than Y/n—” Wheezie glanced at Sarah, who was about to interject, “—only by a year—” Sarah began to protest, but Wheezie pressed on, “—and Y/n already has a baby?” You felt a slight jolt at Wheezie’s observation, taking a sip of your water to mask your reaction. Her question, though innocent, stung more than you expected. You knew there was no malice behind it, but it highlighted a disparity that you weren’t entirely comfortable with.

“Crazy, right?” you said with a chuckle, trying to keep your voice light. Sarah’s eyes softened with sympathy, her gaze lingering on you as she sensed the subtle shift in your mood. You glanced down at the plate of pancakes before you, barely touched and now cold. The sight of the untouched food seemed to amplify the unease simmering beneath the surface.

You forced a smile, determined to stay engaged with the conversation and push aside the disquiet Wheezie’s innocent remark had stirred within you. The effort to remain present felt like a balancing act, your focus shifting between the cheerful chatter around you and the uncomfortable thoughts you tried to suppress.

[novlr]

Do you have any tips on how to write a character who’s being manipulated?

Your blog has been very helpful to me! :) thanks a lot

Quick Tips for Writing Manipulative Characters

To convincingly write a character who is being manipulated, you must first understand how to write a believable manipulator. Often hidden in plain sight, manipulators pull the strings, guiding the actions of those who are often unaware that they're dancing to someone else's tune.

Let’s look at manipulators as puppet masters, exploring how they function and how their actions echo throughout your story. By understanding the manipulator, you'll better equip yourself to create realistic characters who are unwittingly under their sway.

How do they behave?

Play the victim to garner sympathy

Charming and persuasive

Twist and distort the truth to suit their agenda

Play mind games

Are silver-tongued

Passive-aggressive when confronted

Use guilt to control others

Don’t hesitate to lie or deceive

Demonstrate a sense of entitlement.

Project their feelings onto others

How do they interact?

Play different roles with different people

Prefer indirect communication to direct confrontation

Gaslight others, making them doubt their own perceptions

Shift the blame onto others

Exploit others' vulnerabilities

Use people’s secrets against them

Make others feel obligated or in debt to them

Use flattery to get their way

Create conflict between other characters

Deliberately create confusion and chaos

Describe their body language

Maintain intense eye contact

Use touch to seem friendly and intimate

Facial expressions often don't match their words

Use large, expressive gestures to dramatise

Have a confident and exaggerated posture

Soften expression to look more trustworthy

Smile artificially or excessively

Lean in close, invading personal space

Mirror others’ behaviours to seem more likeable

Mimic emotions they may not feel

Describe their attitudes

Believe they are always right

Feel entitled and superior

Lack empathy

Highly competitive

Often impatient and intolerant

Controlling and like to be in charge

Rarely apologize sincerely

Often play the martyr, acting self-sacrificing

Can be sceptical of others’ intentions

Kindness is often an act

Positive narrative effects

Paradoxically, manipulative characters can have a positive narrative effect on those they manipulate. These characters can act as a catalyst for change, pushing others to unlock hidden potential and indirectly teaching them to be more cautious. In the face of manipulation, characters can mature and grow resilience.

Manipulative characters can also reveal people’s true natures by tricking them into revelations or by fostering unity as others band together against them. Furthermore, their actions can create dramatic plot twists, make people question their own perceptions and realities, and add intrigue.

Negative narrative effects

Manipulators can cause emotional and psychological distress, breed distrust and insecurity, and disrupt relationships and friendships. These characters often lead others to make damaging decisions, creating a toxic environment.

By exploiting and exposing others' vulnerabilities, manipulators make individuals question their self-worth. The extent of their manipulation can even cause physical harm and lead to the downfall of other characters. Their lasting legacy? Emotional scars that define their victims long after the manipulator has exited the narrative.

[ranticore]

I gave up on editing and did this instead check it out. I had a rough time with the zeta because they kept getting too anthro dog-ish and I wanted them to read as primates. The one pictured there is a crew member on a whaling vessel (chef and lookout).

Image description and transcript of text below the cut:

[Figure 1 description: Front and side views of a zeta's face with the skull and external anatomy overlaid and separate. The skull is similar to a baboon's with massive broad fangs and a huge saggital crest on top for muscle attachment. Figure 2 description: a bar of colours ranging from dark brown, to reddish, to pale cream, to violet, to blue, to dark blue. Beneath it are several blue markings resembling a stylised 'A' or an arrow. Figure 3 description: a pair of zeta standing together. They are blue, brown, and cream in colour and wearing fancy black collars with dark tassels, and knuckle-guards to protect their feet. They have stocky muscular bodies and ape-like heads. One is propped up on their elbows over the back of the other, looking in a different direction.]

Text reads:

Terrestrial Zeta of Siren: Overview

Zeta are large quadrupedal mammals primarily found in the Eastern continent, the only area of significant continuous land. They are specialists at hunting and killing the local wildlife, most of which have strong chitinous shells and can be thought of as similar to millipedes or isopods. Zeta maxillary canines (1c) are the largest on Siren, laterally flattened and lacking sharp points, instead used to crush and split open the shells of their main prey, and they have huge saggital crests to support their jaw muscles. Zeta were formerly aquatic and still retain tail flukes and dense bones from that evolutionary era (3). They have a plantigrade, knuckle-walking locomotion and lack tongues. Zeta are marsupial and unisex.

Fig. 2 shows the coat colour variation. It is divided into red phase and blue phase shades. While most individuals have both phases, some are solely red or solely blue. Zeta are the only people on Siren who have naturally occurring blue pigments in their skin and hair, and blue eyes. The settlers who genetically engineered zeta also programmed in the logo of their megacorporation, which was a stylised blue letter 'A', which would appear like a tattoo from birth on the skin of zeta, formed of their own pigments. Over subsequent milennia, the logo has become indistinct and abstract, and the blue pigment is no longer limited to this particular marking, but found all over.

Kattakati

During the development of zeta, the genetic engineers wanted to produce a creature which would never have solidarity with a member of its own kind. They tampered with the brains of their creations, thinking that they had produced a creature with no sense of community, empathy, solidarity, or sympathy. In the intervening years zeta have developed a novel way to regain those traits, for their own survival. Early aquatic and terrestrial zeta developed a form of eusociality, viewing members of their pack as themselves, as limbs of one being, and over time this developed into the Dry Bowl practice of Kattakati pairing. This consists of a pair of zeta who have entered a binding agreement to consider one another a single being (3). Legally, socially, and culturally, a kattakati is one person. It has a single name and will not allow others to distinguish between its component bodies in any meaningful way, as they are supposed to be taken as a complete whole, together. It is frowned upon to consider the pair anything other than one guy. The two halves of a kattakati do not necessarily agree on all things, but this is not a contradiction; a person often thinks contradicting thoughts, and feels contradicting things. The nature of the bond is not platonic, romantic, or sexual, and a kattakati might make friends and date other people (you can't date just one half - you need to date the whole guy).