Sensitivity isnt a choice: Its in our genes.
Here are a few facts thatll help you understand your highly sensitive friends so much better.
We look just like everyone else.
Here is aquizshe created to see if you may have the trait.
We didnt realize there were others like us until pretty recently.
The trait has always been around, she says.
It’s just not always been well-named.
Thats a lot of people!
We can be the life of the party and still be sensitive.
Some HSPs even love adventure.
High-sensation seekers look for thrills, but only those low in risk.
A lot of their sensation seeking will be in the mundane world, says Dr. Aron.
Whether the pleasure is traveling or never watching the same movie twice, safe novelty is key.
We process things more deeply.
And boy, it can be tiring.
And paying attention to every little thing can wear us out pretty quickly.
Inone study, HSPs had to complete a tricky task and did so faster and more accurately than non-HSPs.
The con: HSPs felt way more stressed when it was over.
Thats because were easily over-stimulated, even by seemingly low-energy tasks.
Add some small talk or a crowded bar, and were done for the night.
Thats why we dont like anyone watching us.
We all have our optimal level of performance.
And can make loud noises or bright lights a bit painful.
A blaring honk or incessant chatter can really zap our nerves.
Sometimes we’re so irritated and over-aroused that we’reinsensitive, says Dr. Aron.
(Sorry, we dont mean it!)
Even our dreams can be exhausting.
We pick up subtle things that others miss, including mistakes.
That means we sponge up the emotions of everyone around us.
Having a bad day?
We already made you a cup of tea.
Basically, our empathy is off the charts.
Were not too emotionalwe just have strong emotions.
Sensitive people have stronger emotions, which are useful for thinking, says Dr. Aron.
We digest information thoroughly so that we can use it for the future.
This makes us good partners (and good parents).
But weve all found ways to deal with living in a glass case of emotion.
Photo Credit: Scott Webb/Unsplash
