Empaths are people with hearts of gold but most do not know how to value or protect their treasure.  Many are often confused by the heartless actions of others and unable to understand why people would hurt those who love them.     

Here are a few things empathetic people need to understand about love:

Just because you love or care for someone doesn’t necessarily mean they will do the same for you.  Reciprocity of care is not a naturally given trait.  It needs to be learned, cultivated, and practiced regularly to be internalized.  

Not everyone thinks, feels, cares, or values the same thing you do.  What you see as love they see as easy prey.  What you see as beauty they see as something to exploit.  There is no need to waste time or energy trying to convince those who do not share the same core values as you.  People change when they want to change in their own time.  It's better to focus on living your life and help those who can recognize and appreciate the gifts you have to offer.

Learn to discern. Love without discernment is a recipe for disaster.  Love doesn’t rescue people who don’t want to be rescued.  It doesn't fix what it doesn't break.  It can only heal and help those who are ready and willing to be healed and helped.

Do not give to others more than you give to yourself.  Overextending or exerting yourself beyond your limit to care for someone else is a form of self-abandonment, not love.  How can you truly love someone when you, yourself, are starved of the same attention and care?  Blind self-sacrifice is not virtuous nor courageous.  That’s just setting yourself up for a frustrating and unfulfilling life.  So stop filling up others' cups while yours is empty.  No one can benefit from your compassionate heart if it runs on empty, including yourself.   

Choose to love wisely and consciously.  Not blindly.