Empathy

Are people born with empathy or is it something you learn?  I know that some people are more empathetic than others but I don't know where the empathy comes from.

People who get teary eyed from commercials I think, are very empathetic people.  A 30 second glimpse into some strangers life on a commercial can make them cry.  That has to be because they can quickly understand how that person (or animal) must be feeling.

I think if you are born with empathy levels then Big was born with high levels of it.  Tonight Big C was able to go buy another movie for another successful day of falling asleep by herself with no tears or help from Mama or Papa.  She picked out the 2nd Tinker Bell movie.  After Baby C had gone to bed and Papa D had left to play bedmitton we snuggled up together and watched the movie.  There is one scene when Tinker Bell cries because she misses her friends.  Big C looks over at me and with the biggest tears and lips stuck out far she says in her sad voice "I'm sad Mama, Tinker Bell is crying.  Tinker Bell is sad.  Why is she sad".  I almost cried myself from Big C's face and tears.  I explained to her what was wrong until she understood and said "Tinker Bell just go find your friends, ok, and then you will be happy".

That is empathy.  I think if we all thought a little more about other people and how they feel our world may have fewer tears and more smiles.

I have new pictures to post but I left the camera in the car so they will have to wait for another day.