Ever feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells around people? Or maybe the slightest criticism sends you into a spiral of self-doubt?
We all have different sensitivities, and that’s perfectly okay. But sometimes, being overly sensitive can hold us back from reaching our full potential. If you’re nodding along, it might be time to consider developing a thicker skin. This doesn’t mean becoming cold or heartless, but dealing with things with a bit more resilience.
1. You take everything personally.
Someone cuts you off in traffic, and you’re instantly fuming, convinced they’re deliberately targeting you. A friend forgets to invite you to a party, and you spend hours analysing what you did wrong. If you find yourself constantly internalising every perceived slight or offence, it’s a sign you’re taking things too personally. Remember, not everything is about you. People make mistakes, have bad days, and sometimes act thoughtlessly without any malicious intent.
2. You’re overly self-critical and dwell on your mistakes.
We all mess up from time to time, but it’s important to learn from our mistakes and move on. If you spend hours replaying every misstep in your head, beating yourself up for every perceived flaw, it’s a sign you’re being too hard on yourself. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can do better next time.
3. You’re easily offended by constructive criticism or feedback.
Feedback, even when it’s not delivered perfectly, can be a valuable tool for growth. If you find yourself getting defensive or feeling hurt whenever someone offers constructive criticism, it might be a sign you’re too sensitive. Remember, feedback is not a personal attack. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Try to view feedback objectively and focus on how you can use it to your advantage.
4. You avoid conflict at all costs, even when it’s necessary to stand up for yourself.
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and sometimes it’s necessary to stand up for yourself or your beliefs. If you find yourself constantly avoiding conflict, even when it’s warranted, it could be a sign you’re too afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or being disliked. Remember, it’s okay to disagree with someone or express your needs. Learn to communicate assertively and stand your ground when necessary.
5. You have a hard time letting go of negative emotions and grudges.
Source: Unsplash Holding on to anger, resentment, or hurt only hurts you in the end. If you find yourself dwelling on past grievances and struggling to forgive those who have wronged you, it’s time to let go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning their actions; it means releasing yourself from the burden of negative emotions. Practice forgiveness and allow yourself to move on.
6. You’re overly concerned with what other people think of you.
Source: Unsplash It’s natural to want to be liked and accepted, but if you’re constantly worrying about what other people think of you, it can be exhausting and debilitating. Remember, you can’t please everyone. Focus on being true to yourself and living your life according to your own values. The right people will appreciate you for who you are, not who you pretend to be.
7. You have difficulty handling rejection or disappointment.
Source: Unsplash Rejection and disappointment are inevitable parts of life. If you find yourself devastated by every setback or rejection, it’s a sign you need to develop more resilience. Remember, setbacks are not permanent failures. They are opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t let fear of rejection hold you back from pursuing your goals and dreams.
8. You have a tendency to overthink and catastrophise situations.
Source: Unsplash Overthinking and catastrophising can quickly turn a minor issue into a major crisis. If you find yourself constantly worrying about worst-case scenarios and spiralling into anxiety, it’s time to break the cycle. Practice mindfulness, challenge negative thoughts, and focus on the present moment. Remember, most of the things we worry about never actually happen.
9. You have trouble accepting compliments or praise.
Source: Unsplash When someone compliments you, do you deflect it or downplay your achievements? If you struggle to accept praise graciously, it might be a sign you’re overly self-critical and have difficulty recognising your own worth. Remember, it’s okay to feel good about yourself and acknowledge your accomplishments. Accepting compliments doesn’t make you arrogant; it shows you have healthy self-esteem.
10. You’re overly apologetic, even for things that aren’t your fault.
Source: Unsplash Do you find yourself constantly saying “sorry,” even when you haven’t done anything wrong? While it’s important to take responsibility for your mistakes, excessive apologising can be a sign of low self-confidence and a fear of upsetting people. Remember, you’re not responsible for everyone’s happiness. It’s okay to set boundaries and not apologise for things that aren’t your fault.
11. You’re easily overwhelmed by strong emotions, both positive and negative.
Source: Unsplash Emotions are a natural part of the human experience, but if you find yourself getting overwhelmed by even minor fluctuations in mood, it might be a sign you’re overly sensitive. It’s okay to feel things deeply, but it’s important to learn how to manage your emotions effectively. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques to help you stay grounded and centred.
12. You have trouble saying “no” to requests, even when you’re already overloaded.
Source: Unsplash If you find yourself constantly saying “yes” to requests, even when you’re already stretched thin, it could be a sign you’re afraid of disappointing people or being seen as selfish. Remember, it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. Setting boundaries is essential for self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Don’t be afraid to prioritise your own needs and say “no” when necessary.
13. You internalise other people’s problems and feel responsible for fixing them.
Source: Unsplash Empathy is a valuable trait, but it can become a burden if you constantly take on other people’s problems as your own. Remember, you’re not responsible for solving everyone’s issues. It’s okay to offer support and compassion, but don’t let yourself get sucked into their drama or take on their emotional burdens. Focus on taking care of yourself and setting healthy boundaries.
14. You’re afraid of making mistakes or looking foolish in front of other people.
Source: Unsplash Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re constantly afraid of making a mistake or looking foolish, it can prevent you from taking risks and trying new things. Remember, it’s okay to be imperfect. Don’t let fear of judgment hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest.
15. You’re easily influenced by other people’s opinions and have trouble trusting your own judgment.
Source: Unsplash It’s important to consider different perspectives and be open to feedback, but if you find yourself constantly doubting your own judgment and relying on other people for validation, it’s time to start trusting your instincts. Remember, you have your own unique knowledge and experiences that inform your decisions. Don’t be afraid to trust your own judgment and make choices that feel right for you.
