A highly sensitive person is someone with a more ¬developed¬
than ¬average nervous system. ¬ Basically someone who over¬feels 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 non-sensitives 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 pro¬life 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 non¬sensitive 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.
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