How does one "learn" emotion?

Catharsis91 · 14-09-2011, 11:59 PM

Before I continue on with my question, let me explain:

I have basically been living in my room for... more than 17 years. I am not a very social person, nor do I truly wish to change this. I would be willing to if I needed to but whatever, you know the gist. Basically, I have a problem. I don't how to read emotions in people, nor can I actually introspect on my own feelings (especially if in a black frenzy). I have need of these skills, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks on how to deal with the matter at hand. I am particularly bothered by this ingrown issue, as I have had numerous social upheavals at the expense of dear friends (naughty, naughty Al

). Thankfully, they have all been very supportive and I have been making relatively quick progress on this. None of them have left me yet!

I wish to show gratitude to my friends by lightening the load on their patience. I do not wish to cause harm, but this is rather draining on my dusty brain meats and I am prone to failing. Thank you on your help. I'm gonna add smileys now.

Kiwi chick · 18-09-2011, 09:17 AM

I think the fact that you care and have taken the time to ask for assistance on this,shows that you already have emotions. I would simply say exactly how you feel to them and let them know that you are mindful of how you perceive yourself to be and don't want to cause any offense or lack of empathy.We all have times in life when we might need the support or to lean on people in times of crisis,it is completely normal to want to make sure you aren't leaning too much etc. I hope this helps. Sending hugs and support

Spenceland · 18-09-2011, 04:50 PM

Looking too hard for them can lead to you not ever finding them. I have a weird way of reading people, I sort of scan and measure everything about them-- I take into account their intentions at the current time (usually I do this with customers; customer is buying part for a project he's being paid to do at his job), I see his facial expression is neutral, I ask if he needs any help and he nods instead of replying with his voice. He's older, rough looking.

From a quick judgement call and testing his response it seems he's pissed about having to do the job, maybe he just wants to sit home and have a beer instead. Anyhow, he's in no mood for an overly enthusiastic cashier, so I change my tone accordingly.

I think my days of being a cashier have helped me read people better; the same process happens just all the time when I'm walking about as well. It's just a program in your mind that calculates what that person is feeling based on a set of evaluations. I guess you could just practice-- look at someone's facebook picture, see if you can judge whether they are happy in it, what might be on their mind, etc.

Not sure if that helps any but just adding my two cents :) good luck, it will take time.

Catharsis91 · 20-09-2011, 03:45 AM

I just hope that this works out, I'm starting on one of my cycles again and I am not sure if I can take all this strain at once.. I feel like my brain is ripping.. I feel like I'm gonna have a black frenzy if Im not able to calm down soon..