I saw the same definition online when I looked it up, and I would think that the paranormal reference would be put there because "Empath" is also a term used for intuitives, or, psychics. It's a type of intuitive / psychic, and that, under science, falls under paranormal. Doesn't mean it's not real. Though for some people, it does mean it's not real. It cannot be measured by science and there are skeptics.


So here are my thoughts on empath. Online there are many different definitions. Sometimes they are highly sensitive people, sometimes they are empathic people...but basically it's my understanding that you can tell how someone is feeling without asking. I'm sure there's more to it than that but that's my basic understanding.


I tend to think (and wonder why) self proclaimed empaths and empathetic people seem to think they are better. It's just something I noticed. Like, "don't worry, I'm an empath so I can help" sort of thing. Another thing I noticed, is that some people who say out loud, or in writing, "I'm an empath" or "I'm very empathic" are not actually so. I have seen these same people cause problems for others. Just because you are empathic or empathetic, doesn't mean you're better, can help more, it doesn't mean you know yourself, it doesn't mean you're more self actualized or more emotionally intelligent.


I myself probably fell into the category of "But I'm empathic (therefore better)" at one point. Then I went through a major self growth spurt (I did the self work lol), so to speak, and this is just one of my many realizations. I used to think I was better or something because I was emapthetic. But then I looked back, and there are definitely places, times, and situations, where I WASN'T empathetic towards people, and I'm sure NOW, I still have room to grow. And while I'm saying this, the flip side, unempathic people, people with low empathy, yes, they can also cause problems for people, but not always. It doesn't make you a bad person with bad intentions just because you Lack empathy. You can still care and want to help, and help other people!


I know the last part is not what you asked about, but it's been on my mind lately, and I wanted to share.