I’m so excited to be writing this blog post because I consider myself to be a highly sensitive person.
So, writing this blog post is just like writing about me, and it makes me feel like I am not alone because you are reading this.
Maybe people have shamed you in times past because of how highly sensitive you are.
“Why are you so sensitive?” You must have heard people say to you, and it feels like an insult.
Perhaps you even feel like there’s something wrong with you.
I can relate.
Before we consider the signs you’re a highly sensitive person, let’s discuss what it means to be sensitive.
Being sensitive means that you are highly attuned to your emotions and the emotions of others.
You feel things deeply and are often affected by the energy around you.
Sensitive people tend to be empathetic, compassionate, and understanding because they can fully understand what someone else is going through.
Let’s consider the signs more deeply.
11 Signs You’re a Highly Sensitive Person: Embracing Your Emotional Depth
1. You Are Deeply Empathetic:
To be empathetic means that you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they are experiencing.
You might be wondering why this makes you a highly sensitive person; shouldn’t everyone be able to do this?
I wish!
No, dear.
Not everyone is capable of putting themselves in someone else’s position or truly understanding their emotions.
That’s why some people are psychopaths and sociopaths.
I’m not saying that everyone who isn’t empathetic is a sociopath or a psychopath, but it’s just to show that empathy is not something everyone possesses.
So, if you are deeply empathetic, it means that your sensitivity allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and truly understand their feelings.
2. You Need Alone Time:
As a highly sensitive person, you probably crave alone time more than the average person.
Being around people for extended periods can be draining, especially if they have negative energy or strong emotions.
Like I said in my intro, I’m a highly sensitive person, so this is something I do almost every day.
I don’t sleep when the rest of my family is sleeping; I stay up to have some alone time because I need it.
In fact, I’m up writing this article while the rest of my family is deep in Dreamland because this is my alone time.
And when I’m not writing, I’m relaxing with a movie and a bowl of salad, Greek yogurt, or a glass of wine.
I just must have that alone time at the end of the day so I can recharge and be ready for the next day.
I might wake up tired because I sleep late, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay.
3. You’re Highly Intuitive:
Being sensitive means you are highly attuned to your intuition, that gut feeling that guides you when making decisions.
You can sense when something is off or when someone isn’t being genuine.
And most times, your intuition proves to be right.
This is because sensitive people are able to pick up on subtle cues and energy shifts that others may miss.
So, if you have a strong gut feeling about something, don’t ignore it.
Your sensitivity might be guiding you in the right direction.
4. You Cry Easily:
Crying easily might be seen as a sign of weakness by some, but for sensitive people, it’s just part of their nature.
You feel emotions deeply, and sometimes, the only way to release them is through tears.
I know you are waiting for me to admit that I’m a crybaby, and yes, you are right.
It doesn’t mean you’re weak; it just means you have a high emotional depth.
And that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, it shows strength and courage to allow yourself to feel so deeply.
Although these days, I try to get a grip on my emotions, be brave, and let them come out when I’m alone. lol
5. You Take Things Personally:
As a sensitive person, you tend to take things personally, especially when someone says something negative or hurtful.
You might internalize it and let it affect your mood and self-esteem.
This is because your sensitivity makes you more vulnerable to criticism and negative comments.
I’m growing to a level where I understand that everything is about me.
Sometimes, people say things out of their own insecurities and issues.
So just because you are sensitive doesn’t mean you should overthink and let everything affect you.
6. You Get Overwhelmed Easily:
Sensitive people tend to get overwhelmed by things that may not affect others as much.
It could be a crowded room, loud noises, or even too many tasks at once.
For me, it’s usually a combination of all three.
Oh, it is!
Even my husband’s voice is loud to me.
When we are in the car, I’d prefer a quiet ride so I can just think and hear myself correctly.
But when he plays loud music, I can’t even have a conversation or think.
The same goes for crowded rooms; all the different energies and noises make it hard for me to concentrate or feel at ease.
That’s why I enjoy working from home; it gives me a peaceful and calm environment where I can focus.
7. You’re Creative:
Sensitive people are often very creative individuals, as they have the ability to tap into their emotions and use them in their art or work.
Whether it’s music, writing, painting, or any other form of expression, sensitive people have a natural talent for it.
This is because they are able to channel their emotions into something beautiful and meaningful, making them great artists and creators.
So, it’s no wonder why I make a living writing.
8. You Struggle with Boundaries:
We live in a world where setting boundaries is necessary for our mental health and well-being because people can easily take advantage of our kindness.
People do not mind taking advantage of others when it suits them.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world.
Highly sensitive people seem to not get the memo because they are always trying to please others and avoid conflict.
This makes it difficult for them to say no or stand up for themselves, which can lead to feelings of resentment and exhaustion.
I’m not a confrontational person, and I tend to avoid conflict at all costs.
I also hate letting people down or not being able to help them when they ask for help.
But I’m learning to set boundaries and prioritize myself.
It’s still a struggle, but it’s a work in progress.
9. You Can Feel Overwhelmed by Other People’s Emotions:
As a highly sensitive person, you not only feel your own emotions deeply, but you can also take on the emotions of others.
This means that being around people who are upset, anxious, or angry can be overwhelming and exhausting for you.
You may find yourself trying to fix their problems or absorb their emotions and it drains you.
These days, I tell myself, ”Stop absorbing people’s problems.”
I tell you what?
It’s been working!
Protecting your energy is not selfish; it’s self-love.
10. You Have a Small Circle:
This is me!
Ironically, I have quite a large social media following and a successful career as a writer, but my inner circle is very small.
This is because sensitive people value deep connections and authenticity.
We don’t do well with superficial relationships or fake personalities.
So, we tend to have fewer friends but more meaningful and genuine relationships.
It’s quality over quantity for us.
If you are my friend and family, your joy, sadness, and success are also mine.
And I mean that in every sense of the word.
11. You’re a Great Listener:
Highly sensitive people are natural empaths; they have the ability to understand and feel what others are going through.
This makes them great listeners, as they can put themselves in someone else’s shoes without judgment or interruption.
I’m always that person my friends come to when they need to vent or seek advice.
I have a way of making people feel heard and understood, and it’s because of my sensitivity.
If you can relate to these signs, you are most likely a highly sensitive person, and that’s something to embrace and be proud of.
Being highly sensitive has its challenges, but it also comes with many strengths and unique qualities.
Maximize those strengths, work on managing the challenges, and be the amazing person God has created you to be!