I am very sentimental. I believe it's due to a combination of how I was raised and my empathic ability. My parents personified just about everything - from a grain of sand to the entire universe. So if something happened to .. say a grain of sand ... I would feel sad for it. In reality I was picking up on another person's sadness, but I didn't know it. After awhile, that became incorporated into my "being". At times I see it as a weakness (I can literally cry over spilled milk), but other times it helps me to communicate better with others; to see them as "unique beings" (for lack of a better phrase).
I am as well Shuhak though not quite to the extent you are. I don't think I'm empathetic. There was a Star Trek (I think it was on that show) arc of stories that featured an Empath. She suffered so with the tragedies and pain of others. Then there was Mr. Spock who did the "mind meld" thing though he was not an "emotional" character. Your parents were more attuned to the universe I think than mine. Makes it hard on you to be so open to the pain of others, animate or inanimate. But also I think you are more open to share the joys as well. Thank you for your thoughtful answer. I am becoming more so as I get older. I don't know if aging brings more caring with it for everyone or less. It has for me. Happy Friday m'dear! :)
Shuhak 