There Is A Fine Line Between Sensitive and Hypersensitive

There is nothing wrong with being sensitive. It allows you to empathize with people’s feelings, and offer good advice to your friends when they are facing a personal dilemma.

However if you focus too much on the subtleties behind what people say and do, or over analyze situations or statements, you are allowing yourself to be overly sensitive.

Here are some tips on how to avoid being hypersensitive, and discovering how to take criticism without being easily offended.

When you are hurt by a comment that was made to you, take some time to consider if this would be someone elses' normal reaction. If that statement would not have offended a similar person in your position (friend, co-worker or acquaintance) it is possible you are being too emotional.

Another helpful way to properly understand the comments is by putting yourself into the position of the speaker. It is common to be vulnerable especially in areas that determine how we define ourselves (i.e. our work performance).  But rather than being offended, consider if the person intended on being hurtful, or if you are just taking their constructive criticism too personally.

Finally, you don’t always have to simply brush things off as you being overly sensitive, instead think of a healthy way to vent. Instead of letting comments or looks upset you, and keep you hurt for several days, take the time to vent to a friend or in a journal. Discussing your feelings or writing them down can help you manage or overcome your hypersensitivity.

Remember, many people are sensitive, but learning to manage your sensitivity will make things a lot easier on you and your self esteem.

Image from MorgueFile

Vanessa Matyas
		About the author:
		After finishing her Masters in Communications and New Media from McMaster University this August, Vanessa Matyas jumped on a plane to California in search of some adventure.  The self proclaimed pop culture junkie was in heaven, enjoying all the sights, sounds and weather of Los Angeles. After returning to Toronto she decided to put her passion for all things entertainment to good use, which led her here to WOMAN.CA.
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