You’re Not Weird, You’re Probably Just Sensitive

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Do you ever feel like you are weird because you just don’t seem to experience the world the same way as everyone else? Chances are you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive. See if any of the 20 scenarios below resonate with you.

  • If you have returned shoes twice (two different pairs of the same exact style) because both pairs squeaked when you walked…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you shed a few tears every fall when the first frost kills your dahlias…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you always have your phone silenced because you find text notifications anxiety-provoking…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you feel sick for a week after your neighbor burns his pile of yard waste…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you can’t get a good night’s sleep in any bed other than your own…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you’ve been told by family or friends that you’re ‘high-maintenance’ or to ‘just get over it’…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you are afraid to admit it to anybody, but you secretly loved the COVID lockdown…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you talk to plants and animals…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If that background noise that nobody else can hear is bugging the shit out of you…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you get emotional every time an ambulance goes by with its lights on…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If seeing trees being cut down makes you feel sick to your stomach…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you fantasize occasionally about being the last person on earth…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If it’s hard for you to make decisions about ‘simple’ things like what to wear or what to eat because there are so many variables to consider…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you ‘see’ people as energy, nervous systems or ‘walking wounds’…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If your ideal vacation is a secluded beach with no people around and ‘nothing’ to do…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If your ideal Christmas is staying at home by yourself, doing yoga or watching a movie in your pajamas…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you say a little prayer for every dead animal you see on the side of the road…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you walk around your house closing windows all summer long so you don’t have to listen to your neighbors’ lawn services/barking dogs/leaf blowers/riding mowers/screaming children/chainsaws/wood chippers…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you don’t like wearing the noise-cancelling headphones everyone suggests you try when said lawn services/barking dogs/leaf blowers/etc. are making noise because you don’t want to listen to music or podcasts, you just want to listen to silence…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If your spouse calls you ‘Young Sheldon’ because you, too, can tell that they changed the recipe of your favorite [fill in the blank] and you’re ready to call the company and complain about it…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.
  • If you not only made it all the way down to the bottom of this list, but also noticed that there are actually 21 bullet points, not 20…you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive.

Sensitive people (or HSPs) respond to everything more deeply: We feel everything more deeply. We hear everything more deeply. We process everything more deeply. This does not mean we are weird, or that there is anything wrong with us. In fact, in some cultures, having this trait is actually seen as a gift. Many of the thought leaders, spiritual and moral figureheads, visionaries, entrepreneurs, caregivers, teachers, health care professionals and holistic healers in the world are HSPs. We tend to be very detail-oriented, thoughtful, conscientious and empathetic. It is estimated that about 20-30% of the population has this trait (and it is common in animals as well as humans). The trait does come with challenges, though, including overwhelm and sensory overload, as the world today is not set up for HSPs. Therefore, we need more downtime, peace and quiet to process everything we are taking in and to be able to be our best. If this sounds like you, you’re not weird, you’re probably just Sensitive. Welcome to the club. I’m glad you’re here.

If you related to many of the scenarios above and are looking to learn more: