Cultivating empathy has its own rewards: The more you do it, the better your relationships are and the more you want to continue.
Empathy deficit disorder (EDD) is a DMN present in our culture obsessed with social status and materialism.
EDD may be at the heart of many of life's problems.
Why?
A failure to be empathic shows up as responses where we belittle the complaint by saying something like:
Our answers are rejections and failure to be empathetic. A denial of the other persons struggle. The message we send is 'Don't bother me with your problems' and 'lighten up you jerk' or 'suck it up buttercup.'
Not being empathetic creates conflict. A friend you could once lean on to discuss your problems is no longer sympathetic to your problems. They've moved on and are instructing you to do the same.
The lack of empathy creates conflicts that not only end friendships, but lead to isolation. Isolation is at the core of an increasingly tense world. Thus, failing to be empathetic to others can result in serious consequences, even war.
Is your success in life creating a divide between old friends? It commonly will. While we want our friends to pat us on the back, but will they ever?
Modern society breeds resentment.
The reality you will contend with as you succeed in life is resentment from those who view themselves as inferior.