diff --git a/code/datums/quirks/positive_quirks/empath.dm b/code/datums/quirks/positive_quirks/empath.dm
index 0df037adb9a0e..c790411d0bfe9 100644
--- a/code/datums/quirks/positive_quirks/empath.dm
+++ b/code/datums/quirks/positive_quirks/empath.dm
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /datum/quirk/empath
 	name = "Empath"
-	desc = "Whether it's a sixth sense or careful study of body language, it only takes you a quick glance at someone to understand how they feel and their characteristics."
+	desc = "Whether it's a sixth sense or careful study of body language, it only takes you a quick glance at someone to understand how they feel and their characteristics, although this becomes harder if you can't see their face."
 	icon = FA_ICON_FACE_SMILE_BEAM
 	value = 4
 	mob_trait = TRAIT_EMPATH
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
index dd2fec861aa4c..c69b03542eadb 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
@@ -486,7 +486,10 @@
 					"<a href='byond://?src=[REF(src)];hud=s;add_citation=1;examine_time=[world.time]'>\[Add citation\]</a>",
 					"<a href='byond://?src=[REF(src)];hud=s;add_crime=1;examine_time=[world.time]'>\[Add crime\]</a>",
 					"<a href='byond://?src=[REF(src)];hud=s;add_note=1;examine_time=[world.time]'>\[Add note\]</a>"), "")
-	else if(isobserver(user) || HAS_TRAIT(user, TRAIT_EMPATH))
+
+	if(HAS_TRAIT(user, TRAIT_EMPATH) && src.is_face_visible())
+		. += span_info("<b>Traits:</b> [get_quirk_string(FALSE, CAT_QUIRK_ALL)]")
+	else if (isobserver(user))
 		. += span_info("<b>Traits:</b> [get_quirk_string(FALSE, CAT_QUIRK_ALL)]")
 	. += "</span>"