Hi Trev,

That is scary! Every empath has different ways they pick up other people’s energy. It sounds like you had a physical empath experience. It’s exactly like you describe, the empath takes on the physical symptoms of another person. They don’t have to be close to you, like the man in the restaurant. Although, if you are at a distance from a loved one, someone you have a bond with, it’s possible to feel their physical symptoms from a distance.

Some empaths can sense both emotionally and physically, others lean toward one more than the other. It’s important to protect yourself. I suggest learning more about being an empath. I have read several books on the topic, my favorite is called “The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff, MD”. I like that she has a medical background, I prefer science-based information. Chapter 2 has a section on physical empaths and an assessment you can take.

Be well!