Being sensitive isn’t always easy — it can make you incredibly empathetic and intuitive, it also means your reactions to things other people consider no big deal might be a bit more extreme.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be a bit on the sensitive side, here are some habits that might give you away. Obviously, you don’t need to change who you are or be ashamed of it, but a bit of self-awareness can be a long way in keeping your mental health in check, as well as allowing you to be a bit more mindful in your day-to-day life.
1. You take criticism personally, even when it’s not meant that way.
When someone points out a mistake in your work or suggests an improvement, you feel a pang in your chest. Even constructive feedback can feel like a personal attack. You might spend hours replaying the conversation in your head, wondering if they think less of you now. It’s hard to separate the critique of your actions from your sense of self-worth.
2. You’re deeply affected by the moods of people around you.
Walking into a room, you instantly pick up on the emotional atmosphere. If someone’s upset, you feel it too, even if they haven’t said anything. This emotional contagion can be draining, especially in tense situations. You might feel anxious or down after spending time with someone who’s stressed, without really understanding why.
3. You often need time alone to recharge after social interactions.
Source: Unsplash Social gatherings, while enjoyable, can leave you feeling drained. You absorb so much of the energy and emotions around you that you need solitude to process and recover. This doesn’t mean you’re antisocial — you just experience social interactions more intensely than other people do, and need time to reset your emotional barometer.
4. You have a hard time making decisions because you overthink every option.
Source: Unsplash Choosing between two options can feel like an impossible task. You consider every possible outcome, worry about making the wrong choice, and fret over how your decision might affect other people. Even small decisions, like what to have for dinner, can become drawn-out internal debates. You’re acutely aware of the potential consequences of your choices.
5. You’re easily startled by sudden noises or movements.
Source: Unsplash Loud noises make you jump, and unexpected touches can make you flinch. Your heightened sensitivity extends to your physical senses, making you more reactive to your environment. This can be embarrassing at times, especially when other people don’t understand why you’re so jumpy.
6. You cry easily, sometimes at things that other people think are silly.
Commercials about lost pets, heart-warming news stories, or even a particularly moving piece of music can bring tears to your eyes. Maybe you well up at work or in public, feeling slightly mortified but unable to stop. Your emotional responses are quick and intense, often catching you off guard.
7. You struggle with confrontation and avoid it at all costs.
Source: Unsplash The thought of having to confront someone makes your stomach churn. You’d rather let things slide or find roundabout ways to address issues than have a confrontation. This can lead to pent-up frustrations or misunderstandings, as you struggle to express your needs or boundaries clearly.
8. You’re hyper-aware of people’s body language and tone of voice.
Source: Unsplash You notice the slightest changes in someone’s facial expression or the tiniest shift in their tone. This heightened awareness can be useful for understanding other people, but it can also lead to overanalysing. You might read into things that weren’t intentional, causing unnecessary worry or hurt feelings.
9. You take it personally when someone doesn’t respond to your message right away.
When you send a text or email and don’t get an immediate response, your mind starts racing. Did you say something wrong? Are they upset with you? You might check your phone repeatedly, feeling increasingly anxious. It’s hard for you to remember that people might just be busy or have different communication habits.
10. You have a rich and vivid imagination.
Your imagination is incredibly active, often playing out detailed scenarios in your head. While this can make you extra creative, it can also lead to dwelling on potential negative outcomes or replaying past events. You often get lost in thought, reliving conversations or imagining future interactions in vivid detail.
11. You’re deeply moved by art, music, and nature.
A beautiful sunset, a powerful song, or a striking piece of art can overwhelm you with emotion. You experience these things deeply, often feeling a physical response like goosebumps or a lump in your throat. While this sensitivity allows you to appreciate beauty intensely, it can also be overwhelming at times.
12. You’re often told you’re “too sensitive” or that you need to “toughen up”.
These phrases are frustratingly familiar to you. People in your life, perhaps with good intentions, often suggest that you shouldn’t take things so seriously. But for you, it’s not a choice — it’s how you’re wired. These comments can make you feel misunderstood or like there’s something wrong with you.
13. You have a strong sense of justice and get upset by unfairness.
Witnessing injustice, even if it doesn’t directly affect you, can leave you feeling distressed for days. You probably get worked up about news stories or unfair situations at work, for instance. This strong moral compass is admirable, but it can also be emotionally taxing when you can’t immediately right every wrong.
14. You’re highly empathetic, often to your own detriment.
Your ability to understand and relate to other people’s feelings is impressive. However, this empathy can sometimes go into overdrive, causing you to take on other people’s emotional burdens as if they were your own. You often feel emotionally exhausted after comforting a friend, having absorbed their pain or stress.
15. You’re extremely detail-oriented, noticing things other people miss.
Your sensitivity extends to your perception of the world around you. You notice small changes in your environment, pick up on subtle flavours in food, and are attuned to minor shifts in temperature or light. While this can make you appreciative of life’s small details, it can also be overwhelming in stimulating environments.
16. You have a hard time letting go of negative experiences.
When something upsetting happens, you tend to ruminate on it for a long time. A harsh comment from a colleague or a minor social faux pas can play on repeat in your mind for days or even weeks. You struggle to brush things off, often needing to process experiences fully before you can move on.
