This

I saw this today:

‎"Compassion means to become close to the one who suffers. 

But we can come close to another peron 

only when we are willing to become vulnerable ourselves. 

A compassionate person says: '

I am your brother; 

I am your sister; 

I am human, 

fragile, 

and mortal,

 just like you. 

I am not scandalized by your tears, nor 

afraid of your pain...'" 

~Henri Nouwen

It makes me think that there is no "safe" middle ground for me.  No way to be compassionate and have empathy, without also feeling pulled into vulnerability and pain.