Brene Brown recently studied empathetic people. Like, really empathetic people. People who have devoted their life to empathy, like nuns and monks.
She thought that the thing that would be most in common with them is something along the lines of empathy: ability to care, ability to give.
You know, what was the most consistent aspect of all these people? Huge boundaries. They kept huge boundaries and they knew exactly where their boundaries were, because it turns out you cannot be radically empathetic if you feel that the other person is taking advantage of you. So in order to be a little more empathetic, have better boundaries.