Have you ever been told “stop being so sensitive” or “you’re too sensitive”? Then this is for you. I’m not here to tell you to stop being sensitive, I’m here to tell you to embrace it.
What Does It Mean When People Say You’re Too Sensitive
Over the years, I’ve always had people tell me you’re too sensitive or you need to grow a thick skin. I always felt ashamed that people or things affected me.
There was always something I felt was wrong with me-something I needed to fix.
In my opinion, when people say you’re too sensitive, it is a way to deflect their behaviour. A way to make you believe that you need to correct yourself rather than correct themselves.
Being too sensitive is just reacting to the people or the world around you and not agreeing with how you’ve been treated.
Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Too sensitive is a personality trait called sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), where people may experience the world with heightened awareness and deeper emotional processing. Those with sensory processing sensitivity are more attuned to their environment and others’ emotions.
Because we have heightened awareness, we can pick up more subtle details like sounds or social cues. We have more intense emotions leading to stronger reactions to positive and negative experiences.
Some research says that high-sensitivity people can be linked to leadership qualities. Let’s be honest: I would rather have a manager who shows empathy towards their team than one who treats their team poorly.
However, even though I’ve explained some absolute strengths of being sensitive, it comes with its challenges.
We are more prone to being overstimulated in loud situations and can have difficulty managing emotions. We are harsher to ourselves by creating a negative self-image, which can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Characteristics of a Highly Sensitive Person
Not all of us highly sensitive people will have the following traits however, these are the most common:
1. Emotional Depth & Empathy
- Feel emotions more intensely (both joy and sadness).
- Easily moved by art, music, or beauty in nature.
- Strong sense of empathy – often absorbing the moods of others.
2. Sensitivity to Environment
- Easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.
- Sensitive to clutter, chaos, or busy environments.
- May need quiet time alone to recharge after stimulation.
3. Thoughtful & Reflective
- Deep processors: think carefully before acting or making decisions.
- Notice details others miss — subtle expressions, tones, or changes.
- Reflect on experiences more deeply, which can lead to rich creativity.
4. Heightened Awareness
- Strong awareness of other people’s emotions and body language.
- Pick up on subtleties in conversations or surroundings.
- Often described as intuitive or perceptive.
5. Easily Overstimulated
- Can feel drained by crowds, multitasking, or long social events.
- More prone to burnout without downtime.
- Need time to decompress after intense situations.
6. Strong Inner World
- Rich imagination and creativity.
- Drawn to meaningful work, relationships, and conversations.
- Often seek purpose rather than surface-level pursuits.
Dealing With Other People’s Behaviours
Being sensitive we unwillingly take on other people’s emotions and behaviours. Their emotions become our emotions. We start to overthink why they said or treated us that way. It can be hard not to take on other people’s emotions.
From childhood, our environments shape us as to who we are and how sensitive we may become. Perhaps we didn’t have the best experiences during school or in a healthy family environment. We look at why we’ve experienced this; maybe we are the problem.
However, it’s important to remember that other people’s behaviours are out of our control and not a reflection on us. We can only manage our own emotions and behaviours. If someone snaps at you perhaps think to yourself – maybe they’re having a bad day or really stressed. Take it with a grain of salt.
Over time, you learn to pick your battles. Is this something that I’m going to carry with me? Will I let this bother me for the rest of the day? Chances are it won’t. You’ll see that it has nothing to do with you. If someone is unhappy or having a bad day – you weren’t the cause of it. Let them be unhappy and refocus on what makes you happy. Don’t let other people’s behaviours affect yours.
Learning to Embrace Your Sensitivity
Once I realised that being too sensitive is a strength, not a weakness, I was able to embrace it in so many ways.
I cared more for those around me, even if it wasn’t reciprocated, because that’s who I’ve learnt to embrace. I’ve learnt to stand up for myself when expressing my feelings, even if they disagree.
My relationship has thrived because I no longer hide my feelings and have taken the time to do quality activities together. I’ve recognised a friend’s change in behaviour and asked them if they’re okay because when someone is down, they don’t necessarily speak up.
And who cares if you cry during a sad movie? Showing emotion is never a bad thing!
Practical ways to embrace it in your day-to-day life
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, listen to calming music or go for a walk and enjoy your surroundings.
- Follow creators on Instagram who celebrate softness and emotional depth.
- Get creative – celebrate through art, poetry, or crafts.
- Reframe your mindset. If you notice negative self-talk, take a deep breath and realise it’s only a thought.
- Sharing is a privilege – only share with those you believe will truly understand. Those who may not know you very well may return unnecessary judgment. Coworkers are a great example of this.
Moving Forward
Being too sensitive is a strength, not a weakness. Over time, other people’s actions will carry less weight, and you can embrace caring for others and the world so much more.
Don’t try to change yourself to suit the outside world – continue to make the world a brighter place because the world needs kinder people who are mindful of others.
Keep shining,
Madeline
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