Me too, but in another way I guess. I used to give too much to charity, because I felt so sad for the poor and needy children, mostly in Ethiopia. And for the blind, and the children with asthma.
To feel so intense about other people's sorrow probably has to do with seeing a reflection of your own trauma in another person.

I know how you feel. Whenever anyone has an argument or problem I feel so bad for them I want to fix all of there problems especially my kids, but I'm learning to keep my hands off because they all need to learn how to solve there own problems.

Well I like helping others and that does not make it codependent.

We must evaluate each situation if yes or no or maybe.

To have sympathy for a co-worker or even intense feelings for another person when you are familiar with the situation is normal and natural.

I get troubled at persons that are close to events and claim no feelings at all. Those that do not care are infuriating to me.

And giving to charities is okay but helping others really starts at home with the people we see and meet on any given day.

If a family member is hung over and we call their job saying they are sick then our help would be enabling wrongdoing and that marks a sign of codependence.

But if it is cold outside and the neighbor is out with no coat then to buy and give them a free coat is a positive action.

Of course if we know the neighbor and they use to have a coat and sold it for a last shot of crack cocaine then to buy that person a free coat would be enabling too.

Fixing problems is okay, so long as it is not enabling a dysfunctional or abusive relationship.

No poster here said they were but I wrestle with this kind of topic in my world so thus comes my two cents worth.

nelleke, thanks for your insight. I never thought of it as seeing a reflection of my own trauma in her. I can see where that may fit in my life. Thanks for the eye-opener.