A
highly sensitive person is someone with a more developed than
average nervous system. Basically someone who overfeels everything.
They are extremely intuitive, and at times come of as being a little
judgemental. Even if they had no intentions of judging anyone.
They
are sensitive to loud people, irritated by smells and even rough
fabrics. They are highly in tune with other peoples emotions, as well as
their own, and are aware if one isn’t happy. Even if person is sitting
far away from them at the dinner table. Because sensitive people are so
in tune, life can be pretty exhausting for them. Thus causing them to
withdraw at times, and for non-sensitives to misunderstand.
The
Highly Sensitive Person of (HSP) is not always shy or introverted. Shy
people may be sensitive, but are more afraid of being rejected.
Introverts get tired just from too much time with people. Sensitives get
tired from too much of everything at once. Some many sensitives are
also introverted, but there are a good handful of extroverts who are
sensitive as well.
Often
times, sensitives have to make life adjustments to live healthfully.
They might need several hours a day to themselves, a quieter living
environment, or even to take several weeks off from work.
While that’s completely necessary for sensitives to make adjustments, it’s important for nonsensitives to accomodate.
Here are a few ways.
1. Speak softly when standing close to them. Too
much noise is really painful for them. While they may have energy for
certain loud activities, they can’t always keep up when those around
them are loud. Just remember to use your indoor voice!
2. Sensitives aren’t chronic complainers!The
world is really overwhelming. Don’t label them or try to tell them that
we’re being a pain in the royal a**. They are irritated by things
easily, and are pretty honest about it.
3. Sensitives love really intense art.
Don’t be shocked if they enjoy painting nude people for hours. It’s a
way of healing, not a way of being provocative. Art is spiritual,
entertaining, and calming for them. Try to accept it, rather than
telling them that their weekly change in hair color is unusual. It’s a
way of being, that deserves no stop.
4. Being tipsy may ring a bell of joy for sensitives, but being drunk really sucks. Non-sensitives
may find the drunk feeling to be pleasurable, but for sensitives it’s
more like a headache. So when they are out don’t pressure them to chug!
If you are planning on staying out later than them, make sure that your
sensitive friend has someone to go home with after the first couple of
drinks.
5. Sensitives love invitations to get food, catch up with drinks, go shopping, and pretty much everything. But not gym invitations! Trying
to have a conversation while sweating and breathing hard is too much!
Exercise can be really helpful for sensitives, but only if it’s a
solitary activity. Maybe the underdog you played soccer with was an HSP?
The demands of keeping up with a team, may have been too strenuous.
Especially if they knew that their teammates were constantly watching
them.
6. Don’t worry if they are zoning out in crowds, or if they suddenly become really quiet. Sensitive
people have a lot to process in crazy places, and will resort to
whatever will relax them at moments notice. No they aren’t trying to be
boring, no they aren’t bored,nor are they upset. They just need a moment
of peace. Just let them be quiet!
7. Yes, they stare into space. No, they aren’t trying to be rude!With
so much going on this moment of concentration, thinking, and stillness
can help them recuperate for a few. Just let them do so for a couple
minutes, and they will resume to reality. It’s important not to push
them around, because that overwhelms them.
8. Take criticism from them as a compliment. Highly
sensitive people are born with a really acute awarenesses to detail. So
they will be very likely to point out something that needs to be
improved. Listening to their advice will most likely produce the best
outcome when cooking a nice meal, or when shooting a still life image.
9. It’s normal for them to disappear for a few days. Sensitives
need time to enjoy their own inner lives. They might be really fun to
hang out with, and may host a really fun party here and there.
Afterwards, they’ll resort to a few days with very little human
interaction. It’s fine if they do, and it’s necessary. If they say no to
a really fun plan, it just may be that they are enjoying one of their
quiet days.
10. Be honest about how you are feeling. Don’t
tell them that you are ‘good’ if you actually feel otherwise. They will
be much happier if you just told them that you are angry about family
issues. If you try to cover up in front of a sensitive person they’ll
sense that you aren’t being truthful. Which will cause them to be very
overwhelmed and distracted during your lunch date with them. Simply
because they will spend each second of the hour trying to figure out
what’s wrong.
11. Resist thorny political arguments. The
issues facing the world, are likely to be a major concern and worry for
sensitives. If your friend is an HSP, then ask them first what their
political stances are, and learn if the two of you agree. If you do then
its okay to talk about politics. But if not, do not try to convince
your prolife sensitive that abortions are okay. That will leave them
feeling offended, and they might get cooked up thereafter.
12. On that note, don’t argue about religion either! Most
sensitive people believe that they have the correct answers to, “how,
and why am I here?” If they do believe in God, they will be very
committed to following God’s plan for them. If they are an Atheist, they
will be very passionate about being “Godless.” It’s okay, let them be
who they are, and believe what they believe. Having to think about
something they don’t believe in can be a very painful thought for a
sensitive to have.
13. They are very good at listening. So
you should do the same. When they have something to say, just sit and
listen. Don’t try to offer immediate advice, don’t interrupt, and don’t
act like you’ve got somewhere to be. Everyone wants to be a good friend,
and they’ll know that you aren’t by not listening.
14. They need to be the one to plan their own day. Some
will be more rigid about today’s plan, and other HSP’s will just ‘play
by ear.’ Do not try to tell them they need to do more everyday, or that
they need to slow down their lives and relax.
15. Sensitive people are very observant, and are not judgmental in the slightest. Let
them make observations. This is how they make sense of the world around
them. Sometimes it’s easier for them to let go of what others think of
them, and to think of those around them. They may love to read articles
about certain groups of people online, and it’s necessary for them. They
need answers to their curiosity. Especially since they are so in tune
with other peoples emotions.
16. They aren’t always your drinking buddy. So
it’s best to find art shows, movies, casual restaurants, coffee shops,
or at home activities to do with them. Your HSP will love to sit and
sip tea, and have a long conversation. Just make sure you choose a topic
that is of interest to them.
17. Don’t blare music they don’t like.
If your sensitive friend hates country music… they hate country music.
Instead plan on playing some Blink 182 if the two of you both enjoy that
kind of music. They will learn to like country on their own time, not
your time.
18. If you live with them try to clean up after your messes.
Messy environments are irritating for even nonsensitive people. So
imagine how much they drive the Highly Sensitive Person insane.
19. If you work with them, don’t try to chat with them while they are really focused on a project. These
people focus best when they are in tune with their own thoughts.
Instead give a warning that you would like to discuss the project with
them at some point in the day.
20. Understand if they take something personally, and learn from what you said or did. Telling them not to take things personally will affect them even more. They are very emotionally aware.
21. Let them take time off once in a while if you manage them.They need to recharge more often than your average person does.
Credits: thoughtcatalog