Signs you can be a sensitive personality type (HSP) : If you are outside and witness a construction scene with sophisticated equipment and numerous workers, and almost immediately cover your ears, you are noise sensitive. Similarly, you could be sensitive to a myriad of other external stimuli like winds or rains or even slightly bright lighting. Such sensitivities might make somebody a highly sensitive person. Well, this is a general sign not necessarily indicating anything, but if you get agitated or triggered by the silliest horror scene, you are probably sensitive.
Although there are many positive aspects of being a sensitive person (such as greater ability to listen and affirm, greater empathy and intuitiveness, better understanding of others’ wants and needs, etc.), in this writing we will focus on aspects of high sensitivity which adversely affect one’s health, happiness and success, and often complicate relationships. Below are 24 signs of a highly sensitive person, with excerpts from my books: “Are You Highly Sensitive? How to Gain Immunity, Peace, and Self-Mastery” and “How to Communicate Effectively with Highly Sensitive People”. These traits are organized into three major categories: Sensitivity About Oneself, Sensitivity About Others, and Sensitivity About One’s Environment.
Determine if the situation needs to be addressed, or if you are better off to let it go. If your feelings are seriously hurt by a good friend or close family member, not addressing it can lead to anger and resentment. In those cases, you may need to talk to the person in a calm, diplomatic manner to clear the air. There may be other times when you discover that you are best to just let things go. If you felt slighted by a co-worker or annoyed that a friend didn’t call you, you may be able to recognize that bringing it up may make things worse. Instead, you can decide to let go of your hurt feelings.
Very sensitive people are very intuitive and pick up on even subtle changes in their lives. This is a great personality trait as it makes them very empathetic and attentive to the people in their lives. It also enables them to find joy and beauty in everything. Extra info on Managing Very Sensitive People.
As an HSP, it is possible that you are spending precious time and energy on matters that probably don’t need that level of attention. Try to reflect on the situation to figure out if it is a pressing matter or if it is trivial. Because HSPs pick up on subtle changes, they can sometimes read too much into situations.
Category One: Sensitivity About Oneself. Tends to “beat oneself up” when falling short of own expectations. Is afraid of rejection, even in relatively minor situations.
Category Two: Sensitivity About Others. Often feels like people are judgmental, even when there’s no strong evidence.
Sensitive people are not boring, weird or abnormal people. They tend to be some of the most caring, loving, and sincere people, who are quite emotional and have strong instincts about everything. If you feel like you may be of this nature, you need to understand that, you have not done anything wrong or you are probably not the odd one out. You are quite normal like us all and you can relax. Yes, it is okay to be highly sensitive. It means your aware. More info on Relax sensitive.
Again, although there are many positive qualities to being a highly sensitive person, this article focuses on aspects of high sensitivity which adversely affect one’s happiness and well-being. While some highly sensitive individuals are affected by just one or two of the traits above, others may be overstimulated by more on the list.
