[Mountaindewed]

When I was 8 my mom went away for the weekend on a business trip. That was the first time in my life I was away from her overnight. Plus this was both Friday night and Saturday. So I was really struggling with separation anxiety. I didn’t tell my dad this. I just kept it to myself. I never had a good relationship with my dad. He tried. It was me who didn’t. Anyways, that Saturday we went to Walmart. And the cashier in the line behind us dropped the cash drawer. Money spilled all over the place. She was on her hands and knees picking up coins. Another cashier laughed and said “what did you do?” Even at 8 years I felt awful for her. I asked my dad what happened and he said “she has butterfingers” I hope she didn’t hear that. Later that night I just sat in bed feeling physically sick to my stomach about that cashier and my separation anxiety towards my mom.

Years later I still wonder about her. As a working adult I wonder about a lot of other stuff. What if she didn’t pick up all the coins so her drawer was short? Also this was Walmart and they don’t treat their employees the best. I do wonder if she got fired over the incident.

This was a couple months after 9/11. It was a very confusing time for everyone. I have no idea what that cashier might have been going through. Does anyone else have an experience like this?

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

When I was 8 my mom went away for the weekend on a business trip. That was the first time in my life I was away from her overnight. Plus this was both Friday night and Saturday. So I was really struggling with separation anxiety. I didn’t tell my dad this. I just kept it to myself. I never had a good relationship with my dad. He tried. It was me who didn’t. Anyways, that Saturday we went to Walmart. And the cashier in the line behind us dropped the cash drawer. Money spilled all over the place. She was on her hands and knees picking up coins. Another cashier laughed and said “what did you do?” Even at 8 years I felt awful for her. I asked my dad what happened and he said “she has butterfingers” I hope she didn’t hear that. Later that night I just sat in bed feeling physically sick to my stomach about that cashier and my separation anxiety towards my mom.

Years later I still wonder about her. As a working adult I wonder about a lot of other stuff. What if she didn’t pick up all the coins so her drawer was short? Also this was Walmart and they don’t treat their employees the best. I do wonder if she got fired over the incident.

This was a couple months after 9/11. It was a very confusing time for everyone. I have no idea what that cashier might have been going through. Does anyone else have an experience like this?

Hello MountainDewed. Sorry you are struggling. It may help you to read about 'negative empathy.' Something psychologists have identified and studied. Peace to you.
Negative Empathy | Psychology Today

[Medusax]

I feel bad about all the animals left out in the cold or heat...I feel bad for people who are going through hard things and I cannot help.....etc. it doesn't consume me like it seems to do you, but you would have to be stone not to feel things like this sometimes. I am a cranky old hard azz but i still have feelings...

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by HopefullyLost1211

Hello MountainDewed. Sorry you are struggling. It may help you to read about 'negative empathy.' Something psychologists have identified and studied. Peace to you.
Negative Empathy | Psychology Today

I’ve never heard of this before, but this sounds like what is happening. Thanks.

[Goforward]

I have a hard time seeing stray animals. I feel bad about them all day.

[Marylin]

Yes me too,hate to see animals suffer,or humans for that matter.I used to worry so much about nature and the state of the world,war,famine,animal abuses that it made me have a mental breakdown,so yes I understand the worry and hurt over the state of things.

[MickeyCheeky]

It sounds like you're a very empathetic person, Mountaindewed. There's nothing wrong with that. Does this happen often to you? Either way, I wouldn't worry too much. As long as it doesn't get too overwhelming, I'd say it's a normal thing. Sending many hugs to you