The main characteristic of a highly sensitive person is their heightened senses. This stimulated sensory system creates a visceral response to external stimuli in their environments. A highly sensitive person (HSP) is seen as an intuitive, empathetic, deep thinker; who is detailed & keenly aware of subtleties in their surroundings.

The term, highly sensitive person, was first coined in the 1990’s and approximately 15-20% of the population exhibit the trait which Dr. Elaine Aron says is a type of survival strategy; to observe before acting.

Highly sensitive people are drained from too much social stimuli. Large crowds, big gatherings & too much social activity can deplete a highly sensitive person. This is compounded by the fact that HSP’s are innately processing all direct & indirect stimuli, so their minds can often be found in overdrive assessing + analyzing their heightened sensory inputs. Often, those who are HSP have finely tuned nervous systems that make them alert to environmental stimuli and shifts in energy around them.

Sensory overload may be very emotionally, mentally & physically taxing for a highly sensitive person.

Given their heightened sensory system, loud noises startle highly sensitive people. Bright or pulsating lights can create a physical response in a headache or deplete energy levels.

Violence, cruelty and other demeaning behaviors make an HSP sick to their stomach. This is evidenced both in real life and on the screen. A violent movie, war or any act of cruelty, on screen or in real life makes a highly sensitive person feel ill and sick to their stomach.

Highly sensitive people value integrity and are guided by fairness and justice. They are truth seekers.

HSP’s are also known to be very introspective and incredibly self-aware. They are often introverts who desperately need time alone to retreat and regroup. They process thoughts and feelings on a very deep level.

A highly sensitive person has many overlapping characteristics with a person who is high in empathy. HSP’s have immense compassion, their kindness knows no bounds & they are incredibly thoughtful. This is evidenced in small actions like putting an item back where they found it at the grocery store, if they no longer want to purchase it. Highly sensitive people often like to touch items before purchasing & may take a long time to make a decision because they are analyzing every possible choice to make the most informed decision.

Because everything strongly affects an HSP; they make it a habit to notice everything. They are known to read between the lines easily & absorb subtle nuances in their surroundings.

As a result of a regularly stimulated nervous system from a heightened sense of awareness; highly sensitive people are prone to depression and anxiety. They have a high sensitivity to pain.

Highly sensitive people are often people pleasers. They are easily their own worst critic and hold themselves to an incredibly high standard. 

Conflict & confrontation put a HSP at unease, but highly sensitive people have strong conflict resolution skills. This is a result of their deep compassion, empathy, active listening skills and desire to keep the peace with others. They are good team players because they comprehensively analyze & collaborate with others well.

A highly sensitive person has a visceral response to near everything around them. This provides them a rich inner world which sets the foundation to make them empathetic visionaries that creatively explore the world.

This exploration cultivates creative self-expression & allows the highly sensitive person to live life more authentically. More whole-heartedly. More passionately.

Highly sensitive people live life fully. They live life authentically. They live in the present moment. They live each moment to the absolute fullest. They live unapologetically, but kindly.