is it a form of empathy?

[Liz]

Greetings all!

I am a natural empath. There are times when, for no real reason I can find, my eyes start watering and burning and I get choked up, like I'm about to cry. The thing is that I'm not in any emotional distress and, when this does happen, neither is anyone around me.
The one sure-fire time that this happens is every time I tell the story of how my friend's aunt found out her father died. I don't tell this story to every one (for privacy and respect reasons), but when I was telling my parents, the crying thing started.
Do you think I could've been picking up emotions from the family? Any thoughts on it?

[JediKaren]

maybe

[Intrigue]

You have two possibilities. ^^

First, there's the possibility of a chemical imbalance which can affect your moods and emotions, as well as your reactions. Nowadays, you can find a pill for just about anything <-- Not that I necessarily agree with that option.

The other options is, yes, empathy. The telling of the story itself though is not necessarily a form of 'psychic' empathy, which is one's emotions affecting another person's. In truth, you're more likely a sensitive person, empathic in a more physical way. If the story really is sad, then that's why you feel such strong emotions about it-- Because the story itself is affecting you, not another person.

However, this does not discount the possibility of empathy in the manner that you are referring to. That is, certainly, possible.

[leethal]

Maybe you're feeling the grief of the family rather than your own sadness, maybe the other way around ,you're just sad for them.

But in any case, if it happens often enough, go see a doctor. It might be as intrigue said, a physical issue.

[teenempath]

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me!! OMG!! my dad's friend's family all died in a car accident. every SINGLE time they talk about it.. i start tearing and choking. i cant even help it!! its normal! && yes, its empathy!!