Highly Sensitive People be like:
me: i love constructive criticism, i need to learn and grow
person: well you could-
me: [immediately crying]
If you're wondering how to support a highly sensitive person already in your life without driving yourself crazy, here’s the playbook.
But first -- STOP. Go enjoy (and possibly relate to) absolutely everything in this post.
How to Support a Highly Sensitive Person
1. Keep Tissues Handy
We cry. A lot. Happy, sad, moved by a commercial—it happens. Keep some quality tissues around. The soft kind, not the scratchy stuff.
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones are a Game-Changer
Loud spaces can be overwhelming. If you want to keep an HSP happy, noise-canceling headphones are a solid gift.
3. Be Honest (We Can Tell When Something’s Up)
We pick up on subtle cues. If you’re stressed, we know. Trying to hide it just makes us anxious, so be upfront. Trust me, we’re already imagining the worst.
4. Allow Space for Emotional Recharge
Sometimes we need to check out and recharge. Give us some alone time without making it weird. Naps, quiet time, whatever—let us have it.
5. Give Clear, Gentle Feedback
If you need to give feedback, don’t sugarcoat but don’t go harsh either. We overthink everything, so clarity without harshness goes a long way.
6. Skip the Horror Movies
We’re not into thrillers or horror flicks. Watching that stuff can mess us up for days. Opt for something light or a nature documentary.
7. Respect Boundaries
When we say we need space or time alone, we mean it. It’s not personal. Let us recharge without trying to fix it.
8. Conversations Go Deep, Fast
Small talk isn’t our thing. We go deep quickly, often discussing life’s bigger questions. Be ready to engage, or just listen.
9. Quiet Time is Golden
Sometimes we just need to sit in silence. It’s not awkward for us. We’re probably reflecting or just taking a mental break.
10. Simple Comforts Work Wonders
When in doubt, offer chocolate, a cozy blanket, or a comfy corner. These small comforts make a big difference.
Bonus Tip: Appreciate us for who we are. We’re sensitive, but we notice the little things and care deeply. If you’re in our life, we already appreciate you.
Why Even Care?
So, I’m an HSP. Who cares? Besides me, of course. Do I care if you care? Actually... no. I’ve adapted—to not being fully understood, to other people’s lower sensitivity, and to the world’s expectations.
I’m not complaining about being an HSP. I’m just offering some insight for those who might be like me. Not much is discussed about this, and when you’re labeled as “too sensitive,” people tend to walk on eggshells. But you don’t have to. We’ve already figured out ways to cope.
How You Can Help
(Spoiler alert - you don’t have to do much)
If you want to support us, here’s one tip: let us manage our own boundaries. If we need to leave an event early, don’t make it a big deal—just let us go quietly. Or if we need to change the subject, please allow it.
Story Time
I once went to a big box store with a friend, and a lovely woman involved in dog rescue joined us. She started telling graphic stories about animal abuse—details I really didn’t need to hear. I asked her to tone it down, but she didn’t quite understand. I ended up putting my fingers in my ears and humming to drown her out. The worst part? I could still hear her and the stories stayed with me for weeks. They still pop up now and then. Like now.
The point is: you never know when you’re around an HSP. We don’t always announce it. But if we seem uneasy or ask to change the subject, please, take note. It’s not personal—we might just need a mental break.
The HSP Experience: Burden and Joy
Being an HSP has its downsides, like feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed. But there’s joy, too. We notice things others miss. We pick up on subtle energies, spot connections that others overlook, and imagine possibilities—some wonderful, some not so much.
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