One Tip Every HSP Needs To Know When Dealing With Society

What is a HSP? The definition of a HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person, is someone who experiences acute physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. In simpler terms, highly sensitive people feel on a deeper level than the average person.

Let’s take a look at a few common traits that HSP’s share.

– They need to recharge their batteries.

– Loud noises and crowds are uncomfortable for them.

– Highly empathetic.

– Deep thoughts about “The Meaning of Life.”

– Having trouble letting go.

– Creative.

– A need for more sleep.

Being a highly sensitive person is a double edge sword. While many will testify that HSP’s can be annoying or emotional, they have so many wonderful qualities that others tend to lack. For example, empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of other people—rather than just having sympathy for them. HSP’s have an abundance of empathy, and ultimately make amazing friends, partners, and citizens.

Chances are if you are a Highly Sensitive Person, you have heard the phrases “you’re too sensitive,” or “get over it” from the people you love most. Growing up and throughout my life, I heard these phrases repeatedly. Those words hit me deep and made me think that there was something wrong with me. Low self esteem was eventually cultivated, and it started to take a serious toll on me. It wasn’t until later in my life when I started to do research on the subject that I found the information that would have significantly helped me in the past, and that I could eventually share to others and help them too.

When I was younger, I was constantly asking myself “Why am I like this? Why am I so sensitive? Why does every hurtful word or negative action towards me bother me so greatly?” It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I realized I was asking that question backwards. I redirected the question “Why am I like this?” towards the person who offended me. Now, I ask “why are they like this?” “Why are they being insensitive?” Today I realize that there are so many reasons why people are insensitive. Insecurity and low self-esteem are just a few of the unfortunate reasons for those comments some people make. If you ever have those said to you, just know that the problem truly is not you. In retrospect, I could have saved myself so much confusion and uncertainty if I had known this.

When people call you too sensitive, what they are really saying is that they are insensitive. – Kim Holderness

I think we can all agree that from our own experiences of people who knowingly hurt your feelings, they do not own up to that. As I stated before, instead of taking responsibility for their behavior, they will place the blame on you by calling you “too sensitive.” But I can help you deal with this—and in an effective way that doesn’t leave you questioning your self-worth like I did for years upon years.

So, here is the tip I have for everyone who is like me and going through the process of figuring out why people say the things they do. Know the “why.” Use the empathy, compassion, and deep feelings we have been blessed with (even if you don’t see it as a blessing yet) to determine just why people are saying the things they say to you. Your sensitivity, deep feelings, and unrelenting compassion are qualities that you can utilize to look deep into these situations. Trust me, doing this will save you years of self-doubt. It will help you every time.