Empaths: real or not?

Sorry to step in so late, but I am also an empath and it is a burden to carry for sure.

I don't go out a lot. When I do, I manage to find people who just want to talk to me. I have no clue where I find these people, but it's weird because I can walk into a room and everyone notices me. I'm looking for a corner, table, anywhere where I can blend in, but it never works out.

I quit going to church because I would feel the emotions of the people there and most of them were hypocrites. I remember one guy and his wife that started going to our church and I knew that they were only there because he wanted to sell insurance. Every one just fell over themselves trying to be friends with these people and in the end when they had sold enough policies, they left.

Overall, the "gift" has alienated me from most of the people I know.

And don't get me started on public places. There is a fight between me and hubby every time we go out.