I don't think familial bonds count in unconditional love.

[Glow]

I see what you are saying, but there is a basis for the concept of caring. What does it really mean? We can say we want "the best" for a person, but when thoughts become actions how does that translate?

I think there are too many answers to really quantify it. I think the word "empathy" would apply. Their pain becomes your pain. Their joy becomes your joy. Beyond that I'm not sure.

I've always wondered where such an empathic 'chain' begins. For example, in a situation where you are maybe feeling decent and then you come in to contact with someone who has pain and then from empathy you might get or experience the pain, however, I wonder, why isn't it that they instead feel better or decent? How is one supposed to cope with continuously experiencing not just their own joys and pains but also those of all those around them?

I think that's where balance comes in. I have had to work hard to stay centered. I am successful a few days at a time but consider that success. I empathize deeply and it used to sweep me away. Now I empathize fully but by staying centered and balanced I can pull them to my balance instead.

I mourn people's pain, even people who are not consious of their own suffering. Where they self loath I see their suffering beneath their actions. It nearly destroyed me.

Finding my centre so I am able to get back to it, I can help others better. The empathy isn't less its just a motivator to ensure I can stay balanced so I can help them rebalance.

I'm not an expert but it was something that was repeated to me over and over. At the time I didn't understand but it has worked for me.