I routinely internalize other people's emotions. Even when I don't want to, I'm extremely susceptible to the emotions around me. If my husband is irritated with something (a project he's working on, something at work), I get irritated. If a friend is angry, I get angry. I'm hyper-sensitive to it, too; even if someone doesn't specifically share what they're feeling, if I'm particularly attuned to them (like my husband, kids, close friends), I can sense immediately what's going on inside them. I can't seem to insulate myself from others in this way - is this common?

I think the only time I'm not like this is when I'm in that magic space in depression where apathy kicks in for a bit; I call it magic because it's such a relief sometimes to feel numb after feeling all the other horrid feelings that can come.

I'm sure there must be a way to learn how to let others feel and share their emotions without becoming the same way myself...any else have any success with that and care to share?