Feeling empathy for someone who has hurt or continues to hurt you does not necessarily mean that you lack empathy for yourself. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, and it is a complex emotion that can manifest in various ways.
Feeling empathy for someone who hurt you can be a reflection of your compassionate and understanding nature. It may also stem from your ability to see the pain and struggles that person might be going through, which can evoke feelings of empathy even in difficult circumstances.
On the other hand, feeling empathy for yourself is about recognizing and understanding your own emotions and experiences. It involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would with a friend who is going through a tough time.
Having empathy for others and empathy for yourself are not mutually exclusive. It's possible to have both, but it's essential to strike a healthy balance between being compassionate towards others and being kind to yourself.
However, if you find that you consistently prioritize the feelings of others over your own well-being, and you neglect your own needs and boundaries, it could be an indication of issues related to self-esteem, self-compassion, or boundary-setting. In such cases, it might be helpful to explore these feelings with the support of a therapist or counselor.
Remember, empathy is a valuable and admirable trait, but it's crucial to extend it to yourself as well. Taking care of your own emotional needs is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life, and it doesn't diminish your ability to empathize with others.