kiki, I don't think I'm being too hard on myself. It's not that I want to feel everyone's pain. I want to feel someone's pain. Or their joy. Something.

I can see people crying and not feel a single thing but mild annoyance. I see happy people and think they are faking. When people tell me about their problems, I can think of solutions to help them, but I can't feel anything emotionally. I avoid people because socializing requires exchanging emotional information, and I just don't have the currency.

Lack of empathy doesn't mean I don't love, but it does make it harder. I can act in a loving, caring way, but without the motivation, it can be very tiring. My therapy has focused on the action, and I'm making strides in this department. But I guess I'm feeling cheated because the emotional rewards haven't kicked in.

hankster, I think she lacks empathy for me in this area, yes. I don't feel disappointment though, because I have empathy for the lack of empathy. And also she has been forthcoming about her inability to "walk in my shoes".