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So you understand the plight of anyone who has autistic tendencies such as a preference for little or no touching. That's empathy...knowing how another feels because you have "been there."
To me, we can observe someone in distress and feel sympathetic or compassionate--BUT that feeling has to be somewhat disconnected or dispassionate because we are only imagining the discomfort/pain. When you have BEEN THERE, you recall exactly what it feels like. The benefit is that you may remember what helped to pull you from those depths and be able to share something that eases another's pain. To me, that is what this forum represents. I don't want sympathy; I am here to listen to others who have forged these paths--felt what I have felt, and emerged--those with EMPATHY.
I can recall as a child when an adult told me they were nervous. They looked distressed. I asked what they were nervous about. "Just nervous." I had no reference point. For me, nervous was when I had to stand in front of the class to give a report. Ask me NOW--after my panic attacks. I have a world of empathy for others, and it only happens with EXPERIENCING the very thing someone else has IMHO.
THIS is what it means when you hear that the horrible things you experience in life give you a perspective for compassion. I imagine if you KNEW someone in your circle of acquaintances was suffering the indignities of being treated with as little regard as you have been that you would FIND that empathy and reach out to them! THAT's really all our suffering is good for in the whole scheme of things.
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