Poll Do You Believe You Are A Very Sensitive Person?

[Queen Boudica]

Oh yes, that describes me to a T.

 

[aka]

Yes, I have on many occasions been told that I am too sensitive to what other people say or do. I have beaten myself up (mentally) all my life over this because I equated this trait as not being normal. Lately I have been thinking about accepting it since fighting seems to only cause me emotional pain. I believe that the trauma in my life has only increased my sensitivity to my surroundings. Seeing as I tend to be able to smell, hear, and be effected by others moods/actions much more than anyone else I know.

 

[aka]

Thanks lostinthere it is good to know that there are other people that understand. :)

 

[Britt.f7]

I think it is terrible that, as sensitive people we beat ourselves up. I started to think of it more as a gift. Yes, it does hurt at times more then it needs to, but, then we feel the great things better. I've also noticed that people who tell you to toughen up you are too sensitive, never seem to think that they should possibly change their behavior. Them, as well as ourselves, however misguided, seem to think the "sensitive" person should change. That's society.

I choose to embrace my sensitivity, no matter if other's determine it a weakness, I vow to think of it as a strength. I'll just have to remind myself of that on my off days!

 

[Changing4Best]

I've been through so much abuse, emotional, physical, sexual... that you would think that I would be numb to it all by now. When it was last ongoing, I was for awhile (numb), but as I woke up from my stupor one day, the day I was threatened with DEATH! I began to find a way out of that situation FAST! Which I did do.

I try not to show it, but yes, even just yesterday, I almost got up and left the room where I was, because I felt like I was going to cry. Why did I feel that way? I was in a room, at the front center table, and no one came to sit with me at my table. All the tables around me were loaded, even someone had the nerve to come to my table and take a chair from it, but no one came to sit with me (and it was a church luncheon).

Finally a lady came to sit with me, and then others followed, but she was the only one that talked with me. And then afterwards I found out that she'd been sitting at another table, saw that I was alone and came to my rescue. Right after I'd prayed to the Lord that someone would, I might add!

I have a PTSD Service Dog. Everyone knows that I have something "wrong" with me, because why else would I have the dog. Usually the Pastor comes to sit with me when we are going to luncheons at church, but he was out sick. His mother was Bi-Polar, so he feels sorry for me, but he also feels (I think) that he is loving on his mother's memory by sitting with me, so he does. (I'm Bi-Polar too). It's a thing that I am guessing makes him feel good about himself. However, he was not there to take the lead yesterday, so there I was, all alone, feeling sorry for myself. SENSITIVE, as always...

 

[Changing4Best]

Dear Lostinthere, you can say something like, "She helps me out with medical problems." Also, unless they are a business proprieter or someone officially given the job to guard a door, in general, your average person can be politely (in so many words) told to mind their own business, by giving a very general answer such as the one that I just presented above.

Should they get nosey and question you further, it is time for you to start asking the questions! Ask if they have some OFFICIAL reason for which they need to know. Or tell them, "Listen, I already told you and I am running late, please excuse me". Then leave! Really, curiosity is not an excuse.

Now they may want to know, in order to see if they qualify for a dog. Or maybe if their child quailifies. Then it is time, again, to ask your questions. "What condition(s) does the child have that would necessetate a Helper dog?" is something you might want to ask them. And if that is something you know little about, you can simply say something like that you don't know if that would qualify them or not and maybe that should consult their physician.

I know that we sensitive people get edgy when asked questions, and often it can depend upon our mood as to how we answer too. One thing I look for is politeness, genuine interest, a real reason for wanting to know from the person(s). If these are present, I will help them as best as I can. On the other hand, if they are rude, accusitive, nasty, etc., I blow them off quicker than you can say, "BOO!".

One final thing, folks are not allowed to touch your Assistance Dog. This is ESPECIALY true of children. You will best protect yourself from this by having the dog wear some kind of markings on a garment of some kind, like a vest or a cape. It should have the color red on it. It can say something like, "Medical Assistance Dog, DO NOT PET!". This will also deter a lot of questions. Be firm, but polite, unless they get pushy, then get downright furious if you have to. WE HAVE RIGHTS! USE THEM.

 

[Anna]

Yes. I am way too sensitive. I hate it when people say "get a thick skin" "toughen up"

I mean why should I? I am the way I am for a reason.

 

[Lionheart]

I am definitely a sensitive person, but having formed healthier boundaries, I no longer struggle with it so much. I have always been this way, (prior to trauma) and think that perhaps my life experiences have made me even more sensitive. It's not always so easy being a sensitive man, but I would not trade my personality for the hardened exterior that some people mistake for toughness.

It takes guts and determination to live as a sensitive person, just as it takes courage to allow oneself to be vulnerable. I actually like the fact that I am sensitive. It allows me to be empathic and pick up on things that others may miss out on.

 

[Changing4Best]

It's not always so easy being a sensitive man, but I would not trade my personality for the hardened exterior that some people mistake for toughness... I actually like the fact that I am sensitive. It allows me to be empathic and pick up on things that others may miss out on.

I find myself being "tough" sometimes, in that I don't very well take any crap from people. I find my own polite way to put them in their place when they get insulting or condescending.

On the other hand, inside, I may feel wrangled for days afterwards, simmering just under the surface with the insult on my mind. So I probably should just let them HAVE IT sometimes, with that rush of anger I feel, rather than being so polite I guess and letting it eat away at me like that! I suppose I have not been doing myself any favors.

Anger seems to be such an unforgiven emotion in this society, it seems. One has to later go an apologise, is what is expected. However, I'm beginning to see that it has its proper places too!

 

[Britt.f7]

Lionheart, it is good to hear a man say that. My 17 year old son has always struggled with that. I've never told him he is just being sensitive as I've always hated that for myself. Just tried to help him through his picking up on other's feelings. He's going to make a good man for some woman someday. Thank you again for opening up and saying what you did. I grew up with a 'tough', chauvinistic father. It was rather nice to find my husband and boys are quite the opposite. Glad to know there are more men out there like that!

 

[Changing4Best]

I grew up with a 'tough', chauvinistic father. It was rather nice to find my husband...quite the opposite. Glad to know there are more men out there like that!

Yes, I could say this too, though my hubby passed away in 2005. None the less, he was a kind hearted man who did not often argue with me or get mad at me. He never got nasty! And he did not always have to have his own way. Thank God! I miss him so, though...

 

[josephc]

I don't remember being overly sensitive until everything went down hill. again and again and again and again. Too many hills of diffrent types left me shy, a people pleaser, and someone everyone turns to for help. I survived and have from all appearances am successful. I just wish I could experience the pleasure.