[Garfie]

Originally Posted by Mystic Mock

I would just imagine that most people that work in Forensic Psychology would have a basic level of empathy, but maybe I'm wrong tbf as I'm not an expert on this topic.

And I do largely agree with your points, I just do wonder if on the side did Ali also feel bad for Hanah a little bit.

I don’t think you’re wrong in this suggestion at all, as I believe both things can be true at the same time, in respect that people can have more than one motive for carrying out any particular action.

On an emotional level, Ali might well have felt genuine empathy for Hanah, whilst on an intellectual level she might have recognised that Hanah could help her feel a greater sense of security in adding numbers to her group. To add to that, on a sub-conscious level, her background in psychology might have triggered her analytical thinking, and taken her comfortably into the role of counselling or calming down a person in distress.

The truth is none of us truly know what another person’s motives might be, and ironically Ali might not even be fully aware of her own motives, or she might perceive them differently to others.

In just the same way, members of the forum will perceive Ali differently, depending on their own backgrounds, knowledge and experiences. Most of what is expressed on here in terms of assessing or judging a housemate’s character, is personal opinion based on individual perception, as that’s all it can be. It’s one of the reasons I always try to clearly present my opinions as just that, rather than stating them as fact. In reality, no-one can claim they are more right than anyone else, and as long as opinions are based on justifiable evidence, everyone’s is equally valid.