I have always seen myself as an empathetic person. I can read how people are feeling from a mile away, without them saying anything, usually pretty accurately. I’ve mostly considered it a strength. It’s how I’m able to see others’ positions, take their perspective, and see the humanity in people I otherwise despise. It’s also made me a better engineer, especially as I’ve risen through the ranks and had to rely increasingly on social standing and relationships rather than pure technical ability. It extends beyond people; all living creatures are capable of feeling pain, and what is empathy if not the ability to feel others’ pain?