Rick- I realize that empathy is an important influence in healing and have read library articles about the importance of the betrayer expressing empathy for what they have done.. I have always had a difficult time accepting any expressions of empathy without crying and I am hoping you can shed light on this. I have gone through both a financial and marital betrayal and growing stronger and more affirmed as I go through Harbor of Hope. This is the first time I have really reached out for help emotionally at such a deep level. But curiously, expressions of empathy by others make me fall apart emotionally. When someone says they are "sorry that I am going through this" or "I am here for you", "I am praying for you", or even one a couple days ago "you deserve a happy life filled with joy" made me break down in tears. Also, when I am at church, and especially during worship, I have at times cried almost unable to stop. Vulnerability is not easy for me and especially now after having been betrayed, but is vulnerability at the heart of my reactions. What causes this?