Ellsworth

(While compassion is slightly different than empathy it is considered equivalent for the purpose of this blog post)

There are three kinds of empathy

1. Cognitive
2. Emotional
3. Compassionate

Each person has (or develops) their own 'empathy blend' (mix, style).
The blend has a great impact upon a person's relationship circles.

Use of pain medication blunts empathy.
Specifically the study I found was about the use of over the counter NSAIDs medications.
Fair to assume it extends to other pain blocking medications (catagory: drugs / Alcohol)

Age also blunts empathy.
Chronic pain blunts empathy.
Wealth blunts empathy.
Experiences can also blunt empathy.

(The above is not an inclusive list of things that blunt empathy)

If you're planning to build with family, it's best to be blunt up front to understand each other before jumping head first into any major project.
(Like building a log home, opening a small business, restoring a classic car, getting married, et cetera)

These are part of the nuts and bolts of relationships.

I have not, or ever plan to, teach a class on 'relationships.'
Yet anyone considering the topic of "building a log home," would be best served if they also tackle topics like what is described above.
It can help avoid splinters in relationships. Keep the splinters in your fingers!

(wait a sec, that does NOT sound right. Pull the splinters out!)

If a person practices all three forms of empathy during their build, then no matter how it works out they will be made richer by the end.

Concepts, empathy burnout / fatigue / spikes... "hills and valleys."
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Spikes in empathy can increase the chance a person's choices lead them into danger (self-sacrifice, detrimental to self, et cetera).
Spikes in empathy can increase a person's chance of being taken advantage of.

Here are the most likely times a human being will be most vulnerable to that.

• As a young child.
• When newly dating.
• When entering a first marriage.
• Having a first child.
• After the death of a loved one.
• After an inheritance or winning the lottery (or similar windfall).
• During religious conversion process.
• Holidays, both religious and non-religious.
• When taking medications such as SSRIs.
• During a crisis/emergency like a drowning of a family member, friend or loved one.
• When moving back 'home' to where you grew up, if you've lived away for a long time (partly nostalgia effect, partly?)

There may be more common situations, this is not an inclusive list and people might find what is already listed to be debatable.

1. To be aware of how human states/emotions are experienced, helps one make best possible choices.
2. Too much empathy can be dangerous.
3. Times of age/life when a homo sapien sapien is likely to experience empathy spikes is 100% predictable.

Everything above, afaik, is backed by studies (I made a few guesses on the vulnerable times list). Heck if i can find the links, and there are always counter studies and counter-counter studies.

How does this relate to building a log home? Empathy/compassion during the process might come into play in the following three areas:

• Family relationships: spouse, children, Inter-generational.
• Friendships: old, new, work related, et cetera.
• Acquaintanceships: hired help, service providers, et cetera.

You'll need to use your best judgment throughout the process.
Dig into the topic, the reward is knowledge gained that help inform choices.