“You’re too sensitive.” What does that really mean? Let’s take a nosedive into what it feels like for empaths.
Empath's experience external stimuli more intensively because they process information on a deeper level because of their strong intuition. Share on X
WHATEVER YOU FEEL, WE FEEL IT STRONGER
I fall into this category of an extraordinarily empathetic person. Constantly surrounding myself with people can be overwhelming since I’m soaking up both positive AND negative energy.
IT’S OK TO HAVE ME TIME.
Relax, recharge and rest in-between social outings. I’ve learned to say “no” more because FOMO is much better than FOFO (fear of freaking out.)
Instead, stay home and read, listen to audiobooks or podcasts, and turn on some music! You probably have your favorite playlists, but Spotify MOOD playlists have a huge variety for our range of emotions:
Some of my favorites:
“Have a Great Day!” : I Want you Back (Jackson 5), Send Me on My Way (Rusted Root), Ain’t no Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye), and so forth…
“Happy Chill Good Time Vibes”: Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor Swift), Coloring Outside the Lines (MisterWives), Capsize (FRENDSHEP), and so forth…
“Calm Vibes”: Sea Mist (Mbo Mentho), Doria (Alafur Arnalds), Nocturnal Waltz (Johannes Bornlof), and so forth…
The list goes on and on depending what *mood* you’re feeling on any given day.
Thank you, Spotify, for being my music therapist since I discovered your perfectly curated mood lists.
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
Empaths tend to wear their heart on their sleeve, so our reaction usually comes from an emotional place instead of being based on logic. Sound familiar?
Take a couple breaths, and respond using your head instead of your sensitive feelings. Or maybe don’t respond. Not everything someone says to you deserves your input or feedback.
I’M RUBBER; YOU’RE GLUE…
Whatever emotions someones placing on you (or you perceive they are), acknowledge them, but don’t bottle them up. Once you recognize that those emotions aren’t your own, let them go and move on.
CENTER YOURSELF
Find a grounding mechanism that anchors you: this may be prayer, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or a plethora of things. For me, it’s a combination of things with prayer and devotionals being most important to get out of my (and their) headspace.
Sensitivity is sometimes mistaken as a weakness, but it takes major strength to listen, be aware, and intuitively understand what the person is feeling with or without verbal cues. Share on XEmpaths: have you ever heard “you’re too sensitive”? If so, share with me how you use this precious gift in your favor to serve YOURSELF before you take care of other’s feelings first.
Jasmin says
I’ve heard that I should be more sensitive, so I guess this works out both ways haha. I’ve always been a bit too straight-forward with what I let out of my mouth.
Whitney Kutch says
It is good to be tough and sensitive at times for sure! There is great importance on each!
Stephanie says
I fall somewhere in the middle. Some days I’m really sensitive and others, not so much. It’s amazing how much it depends on what part of my monthly cycle I’m in!
Whitney Kutch says
hahaha, you could not be more right about this!!!! I think us girls all go through a cycle of emotions and being sensitive or not!
Chef Dennis says
Its good to be sensitive to other people. But some people can drain all your energy.
Whitney Kutch says
yes and it is a constant balance to know those boundaries!!
Marjie Mare says
Although I learn how to empathize particularly with my clients I can be very sensitive. I try as much possible to stay away from negative energy as they can drain all my positive energy.
Whitney Kutch says
Marjie, you are right! I firmly believe in the saying “you are who you surround yourself with” and staying away from negativity is HUGE!!
jillian says
Love the photos and YES to the above. I started having “me” time once my daughters were asleep and it has made all the difference. Great thoughts. <3
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!! Oh you have to get in that time or we tend to want to scream!! haha
Nora says
I think I’m combining sensitive and strong parts. In work context I’m focusing on my strong parts because well, I have to. However, somewhere inside me there is that sensitive and thoughtful part as well.
Whitney Kutch says
Nora, I think that is such a great mixture of the two!! Its good to have both sides!!
Nazrin Miah says
I feel like I can be too sensitive sometimes. Mere jokes can hurt me & light comments can sit on top of my heart for days. I am known to be an over thinker and drive myself into oblivion more than other do! It can be a horrible feeling most days!
Whitney Kutch says
What actions do you take to keep from being upset? For me, sometimes I tend to go for a walk and put my music on or come up with a great work project to build confidence.
Kari says
I can’t say I’m an empath. However, I do believe my husband might be described that way. I learned very early on to give him quite space sometimes so he can recharge.
Whitney Kutch says
haha!!! That may just be a man thing too….:)
Angela Tolsma says
This outfit is so awesome, power suit for the win. I just watched a video on being too empathetic. As someone who has taken the last two years to step away and recover from putting myself out there too much. It’s hard and finding balance is so important.
Whitney Kutch says
You are right about finding balance. We all have a little bit of both sides and as long as we don’t go to far to either side I think its healthy.
Marcela says
I have been told that I am to sensitive in time to time. In other hand I have been told that I need to be a bit more sensitive. I don’t know, I know that I’m just being me at the end 😅
Whitney Kutch says
haha!! I love it!! We all have those moments of having both and you are right… Just be you!!
Sondra Barker says
Definently try to be pragmatic. Dont be too sensitive if you do not need to be.
Whitney Kutch says
It is a learning curve for some for sure!!
Preeti says
Oh I love these tips and also how you have styled yoru shirt! It looks really stylish and chic Whitney 🙂
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much Preeti!!
Candace says
I personally feel like I am too sensitive. I am constantly over analyzing things which really puts me back. I put myself out there and end up getting the crappy end of the stick. Being so sensitive definitely has it’s downfalls.
Whitney Kutch says
I totally understand what you are saying but please never give up!! The world needs people like you who just keep trying and moving forward!!
April says
I hear a lot that I’m too sensitive and need to develop a thicker skin. I definitely need “me” time and to think before I speak. Great tips here!
April
Whitney Kutch says
haha, girl me too!! I have to just walk away sometimes!!
Stephanie says
This is me in every sense of the word. I feel everything so deeply. It’s both a blessing and a curse, personally for me to be so sensitive to everything. Thank you for your reminders in this post..:) Oh and love your outfit!
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!! You are right sometimes we get the best of both…
Dawn says
My therapist told me, “You take things too personally,” and continued to recommend a book that would apparently help me ‘get over’ this fatal personality flaw. I quickly interrupted her and said there are many things I don’t like about myself, but ‘taking things personally,’ is one trait I’m proud to possess. I went on to tell her I wish more people would take things personally. So, however you describe this condition – being too sensitive, being too empathetic, taking things personally – my method of coping with it is quite simple: I don’t. To experience joy, you have to know pain, and knowing pain comes, in part, from being sensitive, empathetic and taking things personally.
Whitney Kutch says
Dawn, Very well said!!! That is a great way to look at things!!
Jeff says
Being empathic allow me to really understand what another person is going through and also allows clarity to help that person with sound understanding when they are trying to make a decision. But I am going to remember what you said start to apply it to my life.
‘Take a couple breaths, and respond using your head instead of your sensitive feelings. Or maybe don’t respond. Not everything someone says to you deserves your input or feedback.”
Whitney Kutch says
Jeff, that is a really good point!! It is always great to have empathy for others and make sure we are helping our neighbors