It seems to me this has nothing to do with being an empath, my sweet friend; rather part of the conditioning and some remaining blind spots: conflict avoidance tendency, the subconscious need to be perceived as the loveliest and most patient person, a potential savior pattern, etc. Empaths who have already lost their innocence and finished the major part of working on their subconscious program (limiting beliefs destruction mainly); thus, built very strong boundaries and a crystal clear sense of who they are become even more empathetic towards people/animals who deserve their empathy and sacred feelings and offer only indifference, pity or even firmly while decently stand for themselves in extreme situations of dealing with bullies and callous abusers! I am talking from a place experience, being an empath who made that transformation.