darkSpyro

I recently got into a pretty big fight with someone whom I have known for about 3 months. They told me that I lack the ability to feel empathy. I told them that they have not known me long or we'll enough to make that claim. They told me that they did and even if they didn't, it's true. Needless to say, I was quite offended and hurt by this claim (even though I do not believe it), so I was wondering if what he was asserting was that I have a mental disorder that prevents me from showing empathy?

Yes, it's called access 2 disorder.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no such condition written in the DSM. Of course, lack of empathy and the lack of ability to relate to peers are two of the trademark characteristics associated with the high-functioning end of the Autistic Spectrum. Some people are just more empathetic than others, though. So it's probably nothing to fret over. >.>

Although there's more to access 2 than no empathy.

It may not be your fault you know, some people just don't express their true emotions.

Quote: DummyZ

It may not be your fault you know, some people just don't express their true emotions.

Pretty much, actually. The guy who was telling me this seems to be intelligent overall, he was just being a condescending asshole (considering he's over 1 year older than me, and he even uses that as an excuse). Still aroused my curiosity, though.

Empathy? Er...thats showing emotions right?

Yes, empathy is showing sorriness for someone who is ina unpleasant situauion but if it's something that has haoppened to you before, it is Sympathy.

Oh, ya I'm like that to. I don't really feel for anyone.

Quote: assassinelf

Yes, empathy is showing sorriness for someone who is ina unpleasant situauion but if it's something that has haoppened to you before, it is Sympathy.

It doesn't have to be sorrow in an unpleasant situation all the time, though.