Am I an Empath?

Take this quiz to find out!

Are you extra-sensitive to the needs and emotions of others? Do you feel what other people feel—almost as if you’re experiencing it yourself? If you said yes, you might be an empath!

Answer the questions in this quiz to find out just how attuned you are to the emotions of the people around you, and we’ll tell you how empathetic you really are. Click “start” to begin!

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Questions Overview

1. How easily would you say you connect with others on an emotional level?
  1. I find it very easy to connect with everyone.
  2. I connect with the people I’m close to.
  3. I can connect with others if I really try.
  4. I find it pretty hard to connect with others on an emotional level.
2. Do others often turn to you for emotional support?
  1. Of course.
  2. Sometimes.
  3. Maybe not.
  4. Definitely not.
3. Has anyone ever called you “overly sensitive”?
  1. Yes, all the time.
  2. A few people have.
  3. Not really.
  4. No, never.
4. Do you feel easily overwhelmed in a crowded space?
  1. Yes, I find it emotionally draining and anxiety-inducing.
  2. It’s pretty stressful.
  3. It’s not a huge deal.
  4. No, it doesn’t bother me at all.
5. Do you find it difficult to set boundaries with people?
  1. Yes, I never know where to draw the line. I want to be there for everyone!
  2. Sometimes. I struggle to say no to people I’m close to.
  3. Not really. I care about my loved ones, but I typically know when to say no.
  4. Not at all. I’m very firm about my boundaries and everybody knows it.
6. Do you need regular alone time to decompress?
  1. Yes, all the time! I get easily emotionally drained.
  2. Sure, once in a while, if I have a tough day.
  3. Not really, I can bounce back fairly quickly.
  4. Not at all. My emotional tank is never empty.
7. How easily can you tell when someone is lying?
  1. Not easily at all. I have a tough time reading other people.
  2. It’s tough for me, but I can figure it out if it’s an obvious lie.
  3. Pretty easily, by observing their body language.
  4. Very easily. I read people like books.
8. When someone’s in a bad mood, does it feel like you “absorb” their emotions?
  1. Yes! I feel like their mood is my mood.
  2. Kind of. I’m easily affected by others’ emotions and attitudes.
  3. Not really. I feel for them, though.
  4. Not at all. I wish them the best, but my emotions are my emotions.
9. Do you tend to avoid watching the news if it’s too upsetting?
  1. Yes. I’m easily affected by negativity.
  2. Sometimes. It can really get to me after a while.
  3. Not really. It’s tough, but I can deal.
  4. Not at all. I like to stay informed, and I don’t let emotions get in the way.
10. Do you feel as if you easily understand where other people are coming from?
  1. Yes, totally.
  2. Sometimes.
  3. Not really.
  4. No, hardly ever.
11. Do you find yourself easily distracted by things other people don’t seem to notice (like sudden loud noises or strange smells)?
  1. Yes, I’m hyper-aware of my surroundings.
  2. Sure, when the distractions are really noticeable.
  3. Not really, I’m pretty good at staying focused.
  4. No, I find it easy to ignore things that don’t directly affect me.
12. Describe your decision-making process.
  1. I rely on external cues, such as the universe or other people, for guidance.
  2. I rely on my heart and what I feel is the right move at a given moment.
  3. I rely on my gut instincts—don’t think, just act.
  4. I rely on my head and be as rational as possible when making a choice.

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Sometimes, though, you might struggle to set strong boundaries, which can leave you feeling super emotionally overwhelmed. It can feel cruel to set boundaries when you\u2019re not used to it and when you feel others\u2019 emotions so strongly, but remember that you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help someone with theirs! Take dedicated me-time this week to focus on relaxing and restoring your energies. You\u2019ll thank you later!

Recharge your emotional battery by:

  • Meditating.<\/li>
  • Journaling about your feelings.<\/li>
  • Taking a social media break.<\/li>
  • Exercising.<\/li>
  • Doing something creative, such as painting, cooking, singing, or writing.<\/li>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Establish-Boundaries"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Social-Battery"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Establish Boundaries","id":555639,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Establish-Boundaries","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Establish-Boundaries-Step-27.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Establish-Boundaries-Step-27.jpg","alt":"How to Establish Boundaries"},{"title":"What Is a Social Battery (and How Do You Recharge It)?","id":14220708,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Social-Battery","image":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Social-Battery-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Social-Battery-Step-18.jpg","alt":"What Is a Social Battery (and How Do You Recharge It)?"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You might be an empath.","meaning":"Based on your answers, you\u2019re pretty darn empathetic. When your friend is going through a tough time, you almost feel as if it\u2019s happening to you. You\u2019re always there for your friends and family (and the occasional stranger or two!). Everyone who knows you appreciates your selflessness and they know they can always turn to you when they need a shoulder to cry on.

    That said, you know yourself and you\u2019ve got a pretty good sense of when to say \u201cwhen.\u201d You\u2019re the first to offer support for friends who are going through it, but you try hard not to sacrifice your personal well-being, even if it\u2019s difficult to prioritize yourself. Taking regular time out to be alone and recharge your emotional and social batteries is essential when you\u2019re as empathetic as you are, and you\u2019re generally pretty emotionally balanced because of it. Sounds like you\u2019ve got it all figured out!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Triggers-for-Empaths"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Give-Emotional-Support"}],"link_data":[{"title":"6 Common Triggers for Empaths","id":13271106,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Triggers-for-Empaths","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Triggers-for-Empaths-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Triggers-for-Empaths-Step-12.jpg","alt":"6 Common Triggers for Empaths"},{"title":"How to Give Emotional Support: 13 Proven Techniques","id":935051,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Give-Emotional-Support","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Give-Emotional-Support-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Give-Emotional-Support-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Give Emotional Support: 13 Proven Techniques"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You\u2019re probably not an empath.","meaning":"You care about your friends and family, and you\u2019re probably very sympathetic to their problems, but you might not feel what they\u2019re feeling on the same level as an empath might. This doesn\u2019t keep you from feeling strongly for<\/i> other people, though, or from being there for your friends and fam when they need support! Being a great friend is about more than being an empath: in fact, by not taking on everything everyone else is feeling, you\u2019re probably equipped to help problem-solve. When the chips are down, you\u2019re there to help take care of business, and your buds likely really appreciate this about you!

    Not being as empathetic likely also means you\u2019ve got a pretty good sense of when to say \u201cwhen.\u201d You take time to be alone and recharge your emotional and social batteries if you need it, and you\u2019re generally pretty emotionally balanced because of it. Sounds like you\u2019ve got it all figured out!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Establish-Boundaries"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend","id":1124245,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg","alt":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend"},{"title":"How to Establish Boundaries","id":555639,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Establish-Boundaries","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Establish-Boundaries-Step-27.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Establish-Boundaries-Step-27.jpg","alt":"How to Establish Boundaries"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You\u2019re not an empath.","meaning":"You care about your friends and family, and you\u2019re probably very sympathetic to their problems, but you might not feel what they\u2019re feeling on the same level as an empath might. This doesn\u2019t keep you from feeling strongly for<\/i> other people, though, or from being there for your friends and fam when they need support! Being a great friend is about more than being an empath: in fact, by not taking on everything everyone else is feeling, you\u2019re probably equipped to help problem-solve. When the chips are down, you\u2019re there to help take care of business, and your buds likely really appreciate this about you!

    Not being as empathetic likely also means you\u2019ve got a pretty good sense of when to say \u201cwhen.\u201d You take time to be alone and recharge your emotional and social batteries if you need it, and you\u2019re generally pretty emotionally balanced because of it. But if you feel like you don\u2019t spend enough emotional energy on your friends or family, know that it\u2019s possible to \u201clearn\u201d empathy! You can foster empathy by intentionally being more curious about the people around you and asking more questions, or by trying to put yourself in other people\u2019s shoes to see where they\u2019re coming from. Enhance your active listening skills by observing nonverbal body language or repeating what the speaker has said to show you\u2019re paying attention. A lot of people assume empathy is something you either have or don\u2019t have, but it\u2019s often something we pick up as we go!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Listener"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend","id":1124245,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg","alt":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend"},{"title":"How to Become a More Effective Listener in Any Situation","id":61428,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Listener","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Be-a-Good-Listener-Step-13-Version-6.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Good-Listener-Step-13-Version-6.jpg","alt":"How to Become a More Effective Listener in Any Situation"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Internal<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have an Internal Monologue Quiz"},{"title":"Dark Triad Quiz","id":14300733,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Dark-Triad-Quiz","image":"\"Dark<\/picture>","alt":"Dark Triad Quiz"},{"title":"Do I Have Synesthesia Quiz","id":14248845,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Synesthesia-Test","image":"\"Synesthesia<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have Synesthesia Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"My heart.","result":"Take these quizzes to learn more about your emotions:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Covert Narcissist Test","id":14009209,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Covert-Narcissist-Test","image":"\"Covert<\/picture>","alt":"Covert Narcissist Test"},{"title":"Am I a Highly Sensitive Person Quiz","id":14047700,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Highly-Sensitive-Person-Test","image":"\"Highly<\/picture>","alt":"Am I a Highly Sensitive Person Quiz"},{"title":"Do I Have Broken Heart Syndrome Quiz","id":14020042,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-I-Have-Broken-Heart-Syndrome-Quiz","image":"\"Do<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have Broken Heart Syndrome Quiz"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

Empathy, Defined

Empathy is the ability to strongly feel or the emotions of others, almost as if you’re feeling them yourself. It’s distinct from sympathy , which refers to the ability to understand the emotions of others and to feel bad for other people without feeling as if you’re in their shoes. The opposite of empathy is apathy , which is a lack of feeling for others.

Empathy is both a gift and a curse. Empathy helps us define our values and morals and guides our decision-making processes, and empaths may have a deeper emotional understanding of others and their motivations. However, they may also be more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression due to their emotional connection to others and because they may struggle to set healthy emotional boundaries with people, especially loved ones. Working on saying no and on having empathy for themselves can help empaths recover from burnout and lead a more balanced emotional life.

There’s no official scale for defining who’s an empath and who’s not, but the questions on this test reflect the attitudes and experiences of people who might be described as empathetic.

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