I resonated so much with this. I'm an INFJ and enneagram 2w1 - so through and through empathy is my nature. I know what it's like to absorb the emotions someone else is feeling and to dedicate all your energy to making sure they feel safe, loved and heard. You're right - it's exhausting sometimes, but it is also what allows me to see the absolute best in people even when they're at their very worst; the pure grief I feel over inequity is what drives me to work in harm reduction and advocate for social justice - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for caring so deeply about those around you.