Ramblings

I have been asked before, why do I get so emotional during certain scenes on television and emotional moments in real life I miss and don’t even recognize them?

So I have been thinking about that and here is that which I have deduced:

Television and movies have an arc to them.  There is a certain way (fantasy) in which a writer writes a story so that the ending has a somewhat predictable ending.  The good guy/girl wins, the hero gets the girl/horse/guy (whatever).  But the emotion on the screen has a believability that could happen in real life but without the disappointment that often occurs in real life.

While it is sad to admit, people disappoint.  I have disappointed.  Others have disappointed me.  Life, while wonderful, doesn’t always work out the way you think it should (even though plot twists are often better).  But in the face of disappointment, the guard goes up and the emotions get blocked. 

What I haven’t figured out is why it is only with direct connection with people in my life that this happens.  For example, when I am watching a YouTube video that someone has put up with a real life event I can get emotional.  I can connect with them.  But my kids, parents, siblings, spouse, friends, not so much.

So back to the first thought…I guess since the end is rarely like the tv/movie version I haven’t quite got the grasp on really feeling the moment.  Sad you say?  You bet.  It’s time to take a look inside to see if I can change that.  Perhaps with a little more introspection I can come up with an answer…or two.

But the real wonder I have is: Am I Alone in this Feeling?  Is it a problem that no one else but me is facing?  I guess it would be nice to know if someone else out there can sympathize. 

I am an empath, which makes this even weirder.  I feel, sense, recognize emotions.  One on one or in a room filled with people.  But then, maybe that adds to the desire to shut the immediate off and go for the safer, more predictable on screen performance.

I’ll look at that and get back to you.