15 Reasons Highly Sensitive People Are Highly Valuable

Have you ever heard these words before?

“Don't be such a crybaby!”

“I was just kidding — don't take things so seriously.”

“You are way too sensitive. Get over it.”

If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP) like me, you've probably felt “different” all of your life.

While friends and family could let things roll off their backs, you suffered internally for hours or days.

When others seemed to revel in loud environments with lots of activity and people, you wanted to run away and hide in a quiet place.

You could walk in a room and immediately notice if the vibe was all wrong, but everyone else seemed oblivious.

In Western culture, toughness and emotional control are revered while hypersensitivity is viewed as a character flaw or weakness.

This is particularly true for men who are socialized from birth to hide their emotions and “buck up” in the face of emotional or physical pain.

Many highly sensitive men stuff their feelings for years, too afraid to show the world they wear their heart on their sleeve.

Sensitive men and women alike often feel alienated, embarrassed or shamed about their particular behaviors and needs.

High sensitivity is one of the most misunderstood and undervalued traits in the world. Yet it is a perfectly normal, scientifically documented personality trait held by 15-20% of all people (an equal number of men and women).

It is also an essential trait for societies at large, as it reflects a type of survival strategy that benefits everyone — being observant and thoughtful before acting.

Those with the highly sensitive trait might have an evolutionary advantage, as sensitives tend to process situations with their brains first, while others rush to act.

Fortunately for sensitive people, the word is spreading that we are not crazy or fragile.

Dr. Elaine Aron, the pioneer in researching HSPs, has made an invaluable contribution to helping sensitives and non-sensitives alike understand and appreciate this unique trait.

In fact, she views highly sensitive people as gifted and extremely valuable to society. If you are highly sensitive, you'll be happy to know that your extraordinary personality is something to feel proud of!

Here are 15 reasons highly sensitive people are highly valuable people:

1. They are deeply compassionate, empathetic, and thoughtful.

Because HSPs feel things so profoundly themselves, they are particularly aware of the suffering and needs of other people.

A highly sensitive friend will be there for you during times of difficulty and will likely understand better than anyone what you need. They are excellent listeners and will make you feel truly heard in a non-judgmental way.

In a work environment, HSPs can manage people with their hearts and their heads, making employees feel valued, appreciated, and understood.

They are kind and thoughtful co-workers who try to stay out of office politics and gossip but are there to offer support and help when needed.

2. They can read the feelings of others.

HSPs have an uncanny ability to know what you're feeling, sometimes before you do.

They are masters at reading facial expressions and body language and have an intuitive feel for what is left unspoken. This allows them to be more compassionate and understanding than most others.

HSPs can walk into a room and discern if someone is putting out negative energy or if the environment is simply not desirable.

You might enter a restaurant or party with an HSP, and they'll say, “Let's not stay here. Something's off.” If you do stay, you eventually understand the reason they wanted to leave.

Or you might walk on an elevator that someone is already on, and your HSP friend pulls you back saying, “Let's wait for the next one. That person doesn't feel right.”

An HSP friend can often prevent unpleasantness or even danger with their keen awareness of the feelings and motives of others.

3. They are keenly aware of subtleties and details. 

Highly sensitive people tend to see things other people miss.

They absorb the details of an environment, discussion, or situation, and these details might be quite useful later —  especially in a work setting when the smallest details can tip the balance toward success with a client or project.

Not only do HSPs notice these subtleties, but their minds quickly process them to discern whether they are positive or negative, useful or neutral, interesting or ordinary.

When you hang out with an HSP, you'll expand your own view of the world around you and begin to notice things you've never noticed before.

4. They are purpose-oriented and have high ideals.

Highly sensitive people view the world not as it is, but as it could be. They want to make a difference and have high ideals about how to make the world a better place.

They seek out careers that afford them the opportunity to do something meaningful that they value deeply.

HSPs often end up being the nurturers, healers, counselors, and creators in the world. They want to help other people, make life better, add to the beauty and joy of their surroundings and leave a positive legacy.

Those who are connected to an HSP in a personal or professional setting will be uplifted and moved by this sense of purpose.

It's hard not to get caught up in an HSPs enthusiasm and commitment to an ideal or cause.

Woman walking, highly sensitive people

5. They are creative and innovative.

One of the greatest HSP gifts is their creativity.

Because HSPs experience the world differently than other people and receive so many extra stimuli into their psyches, they are compelled to make sense of the internal chaos through creative expression.

Creativity often becomes a coping mechanism for the sense of overwhelm they feel, but it is also a result of their active imagination and intelligence.

Since they experience the world differently, HSPs reflect what they experience in unique and innovative ways through art, music, dance, writing, or in any discipline which allows them to devise creative systems or find alternative ways to reach solutions.

6. They are highly conscientious and focused.

HSPs naturally ponder the consequences of their actions (or lack of action), making them reliably conscientious in their personal and professional lives.

Also, because HSPs tend to reflect on past mistakes and failures, they quickly learn from them and seek to avoid repeating them.

HSPs will get the job done and do it thoroughly. If they promise you something, they'll follow through.


Related: 29 Unique Traits Of The Intuitive Empath


If they are working in the right environment (without distraction or noise), they are extremely focused and productive employees.

7. They are peaceful, gentle, and calm.

HSPs don't enjoy conflict. In fact, they avoid it at all costs, as loud voices and anger are deeply disturbing to them.

They prefer calm, quiet environments (and people) that aren't overly stimulating. An HSP will likely choose friends and romantic partners who are peaceful and positive and who don't stimulate anxiety or anger.

When you need a calm voice of reason or a peaceful environment, your HSP friend or work associate is the best place to find it.

Peaceful environments also allow the highly sensitive person to express their creativity and remain focused on their work.

If a manager wants to get the most out of his HSP employee, he should never stick her in a loud cubicle with bright lights, nearby co-workers, and lots of distraction.

8. They are emotionally intelligent and self-aware.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others.

Highly sensitive people have a greater understanding of how people around them function and why they do the things they do.

They also have a keen awareness of their own sensitive natures and how their unique emotions impact themselves and others.

Many HSPs have learned to anticipate their own sensitive reactions and find constructive ways to express their feelings without causing themselves further pain.

They are self-examined people who have learned to accept their intense emotions, but also how to regulate them.

9. They are excellent diplomats and mediators.

Because HSPs are tuned in to the feelings of others, they are good listeners, and they're calm and emotionally intelligent, they are often excellent at handling situations that require diplomacy or mediation.

If two friends are in disagreement about something, an HSP can gently help them sort it out without taking sides or creating additional turmoil.

If a sticky contract needs negotiating, an HSP is often just the right person to smooth things over and get the deal done.

An HSP is naturally inclined to try to understand the position of both sides, seek out the middle ground, and help all parties find a positive solution.

10. They are fiercely loyal.

HSPs love intensely and bond deeply with friends and romantic partners. Their relationships are intense, meaningful, and generally last a long time.

Highly sensitive people have a strong sense of duty and obligation that makes them committed to the people they care about.

They don't give up after an argument or disappear in search of a better friend. They are around for the long haul.

11. They are more sensual.

Because they are more sensitive to physical stimuli, HSPs are very sensual people. They enjoy physical touch and affection, almost on a spiritual level.

When it comes to sex, HSPs prefer plenty of foreplay, sensual touching, and emotional as well as physical intimacy.

Sunset, highly sensitive people

12. They prioritize self-care.

Most HSPs recognize that they need to protect themselves from overstimulation, people-pleasing, and giving too much of themselves.

They understand their own needs when it comes to their environments, diets, and relationships.

Because they tend to be self-aware, HSPs recognize the importance of self-care and creating boundaries for their own mental health and well-being.

This allows them to be fully present and available when they are interacting at home or at work — without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

13. They can be excellent leaders.

Contrary to popular belief, an extroverted, dominating, and forceful leadership style isn't the only way to be an effective leader.

In fact, many of the traits of HSPs are exactly the kind of traits many organizations need to thrive.

Those with strong values who are creative and passionate about what they do, while making others feel valued and respected, are the most successful leaders.

Sensitivity, compassion, and collaboration are all qualities that support the growth of everyone in a work environment.

14. They are passionate about what they believe in.

Highly sensitive people often have strong beliefs and opinions based on well-considered values and principles.

They are passionate about these beliefs and can consume themselves in their work or some special cause.


Their passion ignites their creativity and motivation, making them highly productive and inspirational.

They remain steadfast in their commitments to these projects and can be counted on to follow through with excellence.

15. They are generous.

HSPs are givers, not takers. They will be there for you when you have a crisis or problem — ready and available with their intuitive understanding of exactly what you need to hear.

In a team environment, they put the interest of the team or other individual members ahead of their own interests.

They are quick with compliments and sincere acknowledgment of the success of other people and truly want to see those around them successful and happy.

If you are a highly sensitive person and have felt embarrassed or different because of your reactions and feelings, please know that you are NOT strange, fragile, or weak.

In fact, you are more gifted and powerful than most, and you can learn to use your gifts for the benefit of yourself and others.

If you aren't an HSP, I hope you view your more sensitive friends and family members with a new perspective.

A highly sensitive person can make an extremely loving, compassionate romantic partner, a devoted and caring friend, and a creative, principled, focused employee.

15 thoughts on “15 Reasons Highly Sensitive People Are Highly Valuable”

    • Hello, I am everything you mentioned in this blog, I actually told my boyfriend in an email after an argument that just because I am sensitive or I talk about issues that I suffer, doesn’t mean something is wrong with me, it just means that I am honest enough to admit my flaws and see them for what they are. I also am struggling because I have to accept the fact that my guy is emotional but not keen on showing the bad aspects. It’s weird because he’s the type that he doesn’t like being in situations where he has to confront negative emotions. He actually tries to avoid negative emotions and feelings and situations, yet he will have no problem being direct or honest about what he thinks regarding your flaws but himself however, he never mentions them. He seems to pretend to not have flaws, or think he is perfect because if he has an emotional instability or doubt or fears or anything, it’s a sign of weakness to him. Fears can be a disabiling factor in progress but it depends on when you are ready to move on from it. He is a very sweet guy but he talks about how other people treat him but have a hard time seeing that just because he didn’t do something such as cheat or hit them that he didn’t do as bad as they did but to point out their flaws all the time and make demands is not what a relationship is about. It should flow naturally. It’s about accepting someone for who they are and where they are in life without being judgmental or hateful toward them. Sensitive souls need to learn to stablize that part of them that don’t like criticism because it’s what can really cause an emotional upheaval in the relationship when there doesn’t have to be one. Personally, I think that people who are sensitive and people who are not so sensitive can learn from each other if only they’d learn how to respect and value each other perceptions without judgment.

    • Hi Brandy,
      Thank you for sharing your story here. I think sensitive men have a particularly difficult time because our culture doesn’t value them. Men are supposed to be strong and fearless, and if they show themselves to be otherwise, they risk rejection and shaming. You might share this post with him or have him read my book on highly sensitive people. And I do agree that sensitives and non-sensitives can learn from each other if they both show respect and understanding.

  1. I love both of your articles on HSP’s Barrie- when something speaks to your soul as deeply as your articles do you feel like you have found a pot of gold…

    I see strong links between being an HSP and being bullied at work, the hyper sensitivity that you speak of means we are much more likely to find a negative workplace to be toxic – escaping toxic workplaces is something I’m passionate about.

    I look forward to sharing your articles!
    Cheers,
    Annie

    • Thank you so much for your kind words Annie. I agree about HSPs getting bullied at work. Non-sensitives can walk all over HSPs if they allow it. And often HSPs think they are in the wrong for being “too sensitive,” so they do allow themselves to be bullied. I’m glad this is a passion for you. We need more people educating others about sensitive traits and how valuable they are.

  2. It is right time I read this article. Really impressive. Henceforth I will go through this article for improving my relationship with others. Good work .

  3. Hi I found this place readng posts from fb and got interested because I’m an INFP and this article I think hits the button 100% about me. Thanks

  4. I have been a sensitive person my whole life. And that has created problems for me throughout my life. I have been around people who were always bullies, whether it was the neighborhood, school, church or even family. I was never taught to establish boundaries, so as a result, (I will use the term lethal) these people would keep coming around. My own family would never stick up for me. I always noticed that when it was another person/peer, that person’s sibling or parent always came to defend him, but never listen to me. Today, I do not associate with any of those persons who has contributed to the havoc in my life. I do have a lot to offer, but I can’t share it if people don’t want to be around me for the right reasons.

    The way I always looked at things, or whenever there was some sort of problem, I always knew in the back of my mind when something wasn’t right. But I did not have the verbage, terminology, or mental growth/maturity to be able to speak up or speak out when things were not right. I still have some difficulty expressing the right thing in some circumstances because I do not always have the right person who will actually listen to me. I have gone to counseling in the past, but it proved to be worthless because even the therapist or psychiatrist would not even listen.

    These are excellent points mentioned above. P. S. Did anyone notice that in the numbering eight is on there twice? I first thought they left out point #9, but when I looked again, point #9 is marked as #8. No criticism, I just thought that the writer might have done this to see if people are paying attention.

  5. I just found your site and I think it’s wonderful. Loved this article. Thank you for pointing out the great traits of highly sensitive people. While some people view being highly sensitive as negative, I’ve found my associations with hsps as being fulfilling and great. Keep up the great work!~Stacey~

  6. I have no problem admitting I I am sensitive and I have a lot of empathy and compassion can drive. I have no sir the last few weeks when I and hard on me when I see people younger than me and without any knowledge of this area where I have not a lot but I has a little do you okay and I’m still trying my hardest and did I make a mistake when I make a I completely unintentional new on-the-job the oops I am overly apologetic and wordy in my emails about it. Always been told I’m a tough person but I’m the toughest to myself I want to succeed I want to do good I want to make people happy with what I’ve done HR and products to the person purchasing something I wouldn’t be doing it unless I thought it was good for them. Still learning how to push down my emotions and drive and heart with my fears and the reality is I’m only you in this position and I will make mistakes. I’m learning to all of those and think and make sure that it’s hard to make sure everything and who I am is kind of push down so that I don’t come across as annoying or a question monger when I’m really just trying to do the very best. Wondering if anyone else has ever felt like this and how did they get through it what worked what didn’t because I guess I’m still learning how to keep it moving and be confident and make people happy including myself

  7. Hi…interesting! We have the same name except mine ends in “I” not “E.” When I saw your article, it couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m a Pisces and feel like such a loser because I was led to write – spiritual journey – and went to school for film and everything, but was a few credits from graduating and still don’t have my degree in communications. Also almost everything I’ve written has been stolen and (one made into a movie) the projects I work on people love, but I can’t get funding for. As a result, I’ve recently started to feel like The Biggest Loser. In the past, I would never have referred to myself as anything but worthy, patient, creative, positive, and nurturing. However, I’ve been in a funk lately because, sometimes we wait too long. I felt really bad because my creativity was stolen and because others profited off of my work, instead of me. It just feels like time to give it all up, but I’ve invested sooo much time, passion, and effort, that my works are a part of me now – stitched inside my soul! Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for writing this article. It made me feel a smidgen better.

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