Just Too Sensitive...

While I don't remember much from my early childhood, one thing that has always stuck with me was my mother's frequent "excuses" that I was "too sensitive" whenever I was unable to just "grin and bear" whatever I was subjected to... in silence.

It was always expressed like it was a negative thing, but I wouldn't say that I was particularly fussy... just very aware of my surroundings, noticing minor details and changes in people's moods and demeanors, which would subsequently be dismissed as "nonsense."

It would remain nonsense, even after it turned out that I had been right all along.

People often have a skewed perception of what it means to be "sensitive," assuming that it means that I get my feelings hurt at the drop of a hat. Which is not at all the case.

That said, the world around me often feels incredibly rough, abrasive and loud in ways most people near me don't seem to notice or care about.

As often as not, I would describe my experience as having an abundance of empathy and feeling for both people and animals, often over things most people were completely unaware of.

I was also strongly affected by harsh lights, abrasive sounds, loudness in general, suffering and violence.

Of course, we all know that there's no shortage of those, in the world. But that doesn’t mean that I have to like them!

All this isn't to say that I don't deal with the world as it is... but it does mean that I often choose to keep to myself, and loud, public and crowded venues are definitely not "fun," the way they are, to most people.

There's a fine line to be walked there, between my choice to be authentically and unapologetically myself and being thought a reclusive weirdo.

I expect it is just a natural part of aging that we reach a point at which we feel less and less need to have ourselves "externally validated." I've made peace with my sensitivity and am always grateful when I cross paths with another (rare) person who truly gets it.

Perhaps I ruminate excessively on this because my family of origin saw sensitivity and empathy as weaknesses and reasons to use and manipulate someone... and it left me with a rather dubious sense of self by the time I moved away from home.

But hey, I'm not obligated to keep their company!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Friday!

How about YOU? Have you ever been called "too sensitive? How did you respond? Leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

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Created at 2025.10.03 01:20 PDT
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