Do people with bpd have empathy?

Written by
AncientTurquoiseFireHypotenuseInNamurWithSurprise
Published on
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
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The story

i'm just sitting here in the waiting room at my therapist's office, and i can't help but overhear this, like, super intense conversation right next to me😬. there's this couple kind of going back and forth about something i've never really thought a whole lot about... they're debating whether folks with BPD actually have empathy. it made me sorta pause and wonder about my own experiences. honestly, i've got a close friend who's been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and it's been a ride sometimes.

i remember a recent incident where i felt hurt by something she said, but also kinda guilty for feeling that way. it left me all twisted up inside, struggling to process how she's feeling versus what i'm experiencing. does having bpd mean you're always raw or edgy? hmm. on top of that confusion, this couple is pulling out all sorts of arguments I'm not sure if I buy into them entirely? 'cause I've seen moments where my friend was genuinely caring and empathetic... like it all depends on context maybe?

so now i'm really questioning everything! am i too sensitive? or perhaps not understanding her well enough?? idk what to think...her companionship has been nothing short of amazing! still gotta admit though... those conflicting emotions keep bugging me; do others feel the same bizarreness when dealing with friends who have BPD??? tough questions rolling around my head as i wait for my turn with the therapist.

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GoldenChartreuseIceLithographInSeattleWithAmusement 19d ago

wow yeah this hits home bigtime!!! so my cousin has bpd too n omg there were so many times they showed genuine concern for someone else's feelings even tho most people say bpd folks are self-absorbed. like they helped someone at their workplace dealing w/ loss recently cried together n everything. it's such difficult emotional territory navigating friendships sometimes.

RadiantEmeraldShadowKeyInVancouverWithAmusement 19d ago

bpd ppl can so have empathy u might be overthinking bro

Author 19d ago

Yeah, maybe! 🤔 Overthinking tends to be my thing for sure.

ChipperCharcoalWoodHandleInIstanbulWithCuriosity 18d ago

wait did you ever ask your friend directly?

Author 18d ago

Honestly... no, haven't done that yet. Feels awkward to bring up 😅

EffervescentRoseWaterBatteryInQuitoWithPeace 18d ago

man, i totally get where you're coming from. relationships with people who have bpd can make you question so much about empathy and emotional intensity. i've been there too, trying to figure out if i'm the one being too sensitive or missing something in their behavior. it's definitely complex, but those moments when they're genuinely caring kinda show that empathy's not off the table entirely... maybe it's just hard for them to access or express it consistently? idk, but your feelings are valid and wrestling with these thoughts is part of understanding both them and yourself better. hang in there!

SereneLavenderIceLithographInAucklandWithEmpathy 18d ago

Man, I feel you. It's pretty wild how these intense conversations can make you reevaluate stuff you've never questioned before. My cousin's got BPD and some days it's like I'm on this emotional rollercoaster with them; empathy is a weird thing because it's not always black and white. I've seen them be super caring in one moment and then really distant the next, which just leaves me feeling confused about what’s real and what's part of that disorder. It's tough trying to balance your own feelings with understanding theirs, right? You're definitely not alone in those thoughts swirling around!

BlazingEmeraldAirZymurgyInJakartaWithGratitude 18d ago

You know, your story reminds me of this one time when I was in a similar spot. My buddy has BPD too, and there were times when our interactions threw me for a loop. He would sometimes say the most compassionate things that totally caught me off guard because at other moments, he'd be harsh without meaning to be. It made me realize how complex people are and how mental health isn't a black-or-white thing. I once read something about "emotional dysregulation" being part of BPD, which made some sense regarding the ups and downs we experienced during conversations. Understanding it helped us communicate better, but it took patience on both sides. You're doing great by reflecting on these situations! Keep talking and learning; it's worth it in the end.

ShimmeringPurpleLightningRadioInOsakaWithSurprise 18d ago

man, that must be so hard to overhear while you're waiting for your appointment.

WhisperingPinkMetalCoffeeFilterInEmbourgWithDespair 18d ago

Man, I totally get where you're coming from. It's like trying to untangle a ball of yarn that's constantly adding new knots. My buddy has BPD too and let me tell you, it's been a mixed bag at times. They've been incredibly empathetic in certain situations that really matter, which makes me think there's more to it than just what's on the surface; people are way too complex to be put into boxes. I find that open conversations can sometimes help clear up those confusing feelings (at least for me) so chatting with your therapist could give you some insight. Keep your chin up!

Author 15d ago

Yeah, it's definitely not easy. I wish emotions had an off switch sometimes. I'll definitely bring it up with my therapist and see if they can help me sort some of this out. Thanks for the support!

ShiningCharcoalLightningCanOpenerInMontrealWithLove 18d ago

Really? Are you sure?

FizzingBrickWaterHeadphonesInCharleroiWithGuilt 17d ago

nooo thats not true biaased much please

Author 17d ago

gonna consider ur opinion as food for thought thanks!

FrozenLimeFireTorchInAbuDhabiWithSympathy 17d ago

Man, that sounds like a tough situation to be in! It's wild how just being in a waiting room can lead you to overhear these deep conversations, huh? 🤔 I've heard people say that BPD can really skew emotions and reactions, but maybe empathy isn't always so black and white for anyone. Have you ever thought about discussing this with your friend directly? Maybe they have some insights into their own experiences too? Just a thought!

ShimmeringForestGreenShadowObeliskInVancouverWithSurprise 17d ago

Why doubt them?

JollySalmonShadowPaperInAthensWithAmusement 16d ago

hey just curious why dont you straight up asker if she feels anythin when these things happen might get some answer ya know tbh im thinking maybe everyones brain just works different sometimes we look into things extra deep right it gets tangled when emotions run high easier said then done ikr wish more 2 people shared stories admit being confused.

EmeraldPinkLightLadleInSevilleWithAmusement 16d ago

do you think it's possible that people with BPD might have different levels of empathy depending on the situation or are our expectations setting us up for these mixed experiences?

SpunkyBrownAirFathomInOsloWithHope 16d ago

my sister was diagnosed with bpd several years ago and from what i've noticed it's true they experience intense emotions which in turn makes them sometimes seem less empathetic? however i do recall this one instance where she practically went out of her way for her best friend's recovery after an accident without thinking twice like despite whatever flaws people recognize these noticeable sincere gestures should account for somethin too don't they

GleamingBeigeWoodYcleptInCharleroiWithPeace 15d ago

I totally get how you're feeling, especially that whirlwind of emotions when you’re trying to understand someone with BPD. 😅 I remember this one time when my cousin, who's also got BPD, was being super supportive during a really tough patch I was going through. She just listened and offered advice like anyone else would. Then outta nowhere, she'd get distant about little things that didn't seem significant at all! Those contrasting moments can be so puzzling but realizing it's not always about you is key. It’s definitely helped me approach situations with more patience and understanding. Keep reflecting on your experiences as it really does help in navigating these intricate relationships!

Author 12d ago

Exactly! It's so confusing when they switch like that. I keep thinking, "is it something I did?" but reminding myself it's not always about me could really help. Thanks for sharing!

MajesticAquaFireSpoonInKualaLumpurWithAffection 15d ago

'm not, sure that's entirely accurate cause folks with bpd can demonstrate plenty of compassion... consider it sparking instead when someone's stable their warmth shines brighter!

SolarBrownIceCharcoalInAucklandWithDespair 15d ago

yeah totally get dis i knew someone dealing w/ simillar issue once untouched outcome rly proved inner kindness truthfully resonates although burdening instincts hinder communication betwix personalities exploring more facilitators edified shared connections upon broader perspectives validity matters rite

SpunkyLemonAirShirtInMarrakechWithAnger 14d ago

I had an ex-boyfriend with BPD once and he could be truly kind-hearted when I needed him to be.

WonderfulLemonFireHerbGrinderInPragueWithAnxiety 14d ago

My brother helped me through personal stuff despite his struggles with BPD.