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.
Read More
