When a friend or even a stranger I'm acquainted with share with me their problems, I feel deeply invested. If it's an especially anxiety-consumed issue, I physically feel the pain of the situation. My chest and throat feel tight. I always feel like I have to sit in the pain with them as opposed to just being a third-party listening with no attachment. It's probably why people feel comfortable talking to me about their problems at levels I clearly can't take on but I give off the appearance that I can because that's what I do, I adhere to these invisible rules I make up in my mind about a situation and how I should be. Only after I've parted ways with the person do I see what just happened and am left with the repercussions of my own doormat-tendencies. In moments like this, empathy is the worst. I wish I could actually not care. 

I'm rambling at this point and I don't even think I make any sense. If anyone here knows what I'm talking about, what are some tools or affirmations or ANYTHING you do/use to help?