I don't believe it can be. I think it's part of a person, kind of like other differences we have as varying people. Either you have it or you don't, maybe its depth can vary... but I don't believe all people have it.

For example, in my relationship, I feel I know exactly what my boyfriend needs. I know when he's feeling off, I know when to help him. I feel I have the ability to nurture him. To help him along and be his best self, after living with him for a long time. I like to help him to see him shine.

Still, I feel he walks by me or looks through me and I feel I need to beg for his recognition. He says he wants to learn how to be empathetic but I don't believe this is possible. I know he cares for me, but I feel so much of me is unrecognized by him. I know he wants to see me, but it feels like he's not able to. Even when I try to explain it all.

I feel he sees the surface of things. He knows he needs to feed our cat, and pet our cat when the cat meows at his feet, but he doesn't understand the cat's behavior and why the cat acts out when attention is elsewhere. I feel I have to explain everything to death for him to see 'the interior of things', even just a little bit. And I'm exhausted. And I feel sick because I feel neglected.

I am very anxious in general and socially, and my family fell apart so I lost people I once had... so I have a difficult time meeting other people and developing friendships. But I know I am in need of connection on a deeper level. I have so much to share and say that is in need of being reciprocated - I am tired of being so giving and those around me taking and not seeing me, seeing with a capital S.

I feel burnt out and am currently at the start of developing known and sure boundaries. I know boundaries are important for me so I don't lose all of my energy or have it taken from me.