Hi Dianne,

I abhor clutter - but my house is full of it.

What I was referring to was the hypersensitivity to everyday life that some people have. I've noticed that hoarders tend to start hoarding after a terrible trauma - death, divorce, or in my case 9/11. At least this is a pattern I've noticed on the Buried Alive program. I used to be a neatnik until 9/11. Now I'm dirty and sloppy, just beginning to de-clutter in a major way.

Hoarders and empaths both pick up energy from objects. That's one reason I thought there may be a connection between hoarders and empaths. When I say connection I don't mean they're exactly the same, but in some cases may overlap.

Empaths pick up vibes from people out in public, especially negative energy. So we need a sanctuary. In my case it's my home, dirty as it is. It's mine and mine alone.

I just thought it was something worth examining.

http://www.empathtest.com/

I think this may be why I hoard, or rather why I don't bother cleaning or doing much of anything. I also get depressed easily.

When I took this test it really opened my eyes.

I don't think there's anything wrong with us. We're just too sensitive to the world and can't handle it. But there are coping mechanisms for empaths and I'm still learning about them.

At least I'm not crazy. Neither are you. Have a wonderful new year, everyone.