Is being an empath in a selfish world possible?

Many years ago, I was bestowed the gift of empathy after literally praying for it. Recently emerging from a soul-wrenching divorce with my children’s father, I had been told by a “friend” that it had been all about me for awhile and she “needed a break from being a friend”. At the time, I was crushed, but many years later, I realize she was selfish and self-minded and hurtful. I have forgiven but have not…