Have you ever flinched at someone’s words?
Is it difficult for you to read about or watch violence – even if you know it’s fictional?
Do you see things or notice patterns that other people don’t?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are likely what is known as highly sensitive.
Read on to find out a little about my story, how I transformed the shame around my high sensitivity into my greatest gift, and 15 signs that you are highly sensitive.
My Story
From the time I was a little girl, I knew there was something different about me.
Sure, I looked and acted normal, but on the inside, I noticed, observed and felt many things that didn’t always line up with what I was told.
For starters, I felt things – especially other people’s feelings and moods – much stronger than other people did.
I also seemed to have a challenging time dealing with injustices and bullying – even if it wasn’t directed at me.
“Just brush it off,” well-meaning adults would say.
“Don’t take things so personally,” was another common statement people would make to me.
Or the classic,
“You’re too sensitive, Jaime,”
The issue was, I felt what I felt – even if other people told me what I felt wasn’t real.
To make matters worse, many well-meaning adults treated my sensitivity as something I should feel ashamed about or cover up, instead of the gift it really is.
The negative comments and insults didn’t end when I was a child, unfortunately, and sometimes I still experience these things today.
The difference now, though, is I’m much more aware, and I’ve learned my sensitivity is not only an acceptable trait, it’s a unique and valuable gift.
If you’re sensitive and have been told similar things at times in your life, you may have also covered up your sensitivity.
If you’re unsure whether you’re highly sensitive, the following list of characteristics may help you decide.
15 Signs you’re Highly Sensitive
1. Large crowds drain you.
2. You instinctively avoid certain people or situations. You might start walking the other way if you see them, or avoid looking at their emails when you see they messaged you.
3. You feel exhausted after a night out.
4. You feel other people’s feelings – intensely. This could be family members, friends, or complete strangers.
5. You can tell when someone is lying to you.
6. You are usually the giver in your relationships.
7. Highly-emotional movies like Inside Out are difficult for you to watch.
8. It’s difficult for you to watch violence or be around arguing. Competitive situations may also bother you.
9. You can feel the energy of living things, such as plants, trees, animals, crystals, plants or trees.
10. You may experience stomach or digestive issues regularly, especially when around dysfunction.
11. You have a knack for telling when something is “off”, even if you can’t explain why.
12. You cross your arms in front of your stomach/abdomen/chest. This is an unconscious protective mechanism you have developed to shield yourself.
13. You are highly observant of your surroundings.
14. You feel negativity and insults or gossip, even if they aren’t about you, intensely. Negative words may even feel like someone is cutting or piercing you.
15. You feel anxious, stressed or squeamish around large or ego personalities.
So, after reading the list, what do you think? Are you highly sensitive or do you know someone who is? Drop me a line and let me know. I love hearing from you!