Embracing Sensitivity: A Strength, Not a Flaw

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told that I’m too sensitive. And perhaps I am. I feel things intensely—criticism lands harder than it seems it should, changes in plans can unsettle me more than they do others, and I notice the smallest shifts in people’s moods around me.

Things I’m sensitive too:

Animals. I can’t even watch a movie or show where there’s any form of abuse. I swear they need to have a warning for people who are too sensitive to this. I remember being in a movie theater, and during the previews, a trailer for A Dog’s Purpose played. I was literally sobbing like a baby, and I ended up leaving the theater because I just couldn’t handle it.
Words. Words sting me. If I feel insulted or made of fun of in any way, I get immediately defensive. The words hit me hard, and my mind spirals into self-doubt, further lowering my self-esteem. And I feel horrible about myself. Sometimes I cry endlessly, consumed by shame. I notice even the smallest criticisms in passing. Such as a glance, a tone, or a sarcastic comment. They can linger for a long time.
The world. Sudden noises startle me. Bright fluorescent lights make me nauseous. Crowds can feel overwhelming. I remember being on the Las Vegas strip for New Year’s Eve, and it was massively crowded. There came a point where my feet weren’t even touching the ground. That was a very traumatic experience for me. I felt suffocated, trapped and really emotional. My sensitivities to things around me can make it hard to live without fear and hesitation.

I’ve had countless sensitive moments throughout my life and still continue to experience them. But I must say that I’m handling certain things better than I used to.

I grew up feeling sensitivity was a flaw. I felt like I had to toughen up and ignore my feelings. All I wanted was to fit in and feel like I belonged. I wished that I could harden myself and hide my feelings, and that I could exist without feeling so deeply.

But now, I look at it differently. Sure, I might be a little fragile and emotional, but I don’t think that makes me weak. It just means that I’m empathetic. And empathy is an emotion that I believe more people should possess.

My sensitivity allows me to connect to people and animals in ways that others might not understand. It lets me cry during a movie trailer because I feel the story fully. It makes me a thoughtful friend who notices when something is wrong. And, it allows me to care about the world in all of its pain and beauty. Yes, being sensitive can be challenging, but it’s also a gift. One that I’m proud to hold.