Feeling Other Peoples Feelings

I am thinking today of how much I feel other people's feelings.  I sometimes think I need to feel what they are feeling and respond the way they respond.  I wonder why I do this?  Do I not want to take responsibility for how I feel or do I feel more connected to people when I feel what they are feeling.  Probably both.

Is this helping me?  How is this hurting me?

It helps, perhaps, that I can understand and see other's viewpoints and circumstances.  It hurts, perhaps, that I lose myself in doing so.

Is there a way that I can understand other people's feelings and give enough compassion and still be my own person and don't disregard what I am feeling?  This is what I will achieve.

Are you where you want to be for caring for other people?  Do you feel good about the love and attention you give yourself?