Reframing Sensitivity: 6 Steps to Harnessing Your HSP Traits

I was shocked to discover that I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP). A few years ago, someone gifted me Dr. Elaine N. Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person. It was my first encounter with this personality trait, and it described me perfectly. Initially, the word ‘sensitive’ put me off due to its negative connotations; in my mind, it equated to weakness.

An HSP is someone who processes sensory information more deeply than others. This trait, affecting about 15–20% of the population, is characterized by heightened awareness, emotional reactivity, and a tendency to become overwhelmed in stimulating environments.

Looking back, I see my journey and where I could have done things differently. Here, I share some of my HSP journey to help you find your way.

Recognizing this trait in yourself, your partner, or your child could greatly improve both your life and your relationships.

1. Better Understanding Myself

The book set me on a new path of self-discovery, suddenly making my world make sense. I finally understood why my energy depleted quickly, why I could be highly irritated, and how I could be both introverted and extroverted. One day, I can be the center of attention and the next, not want to interact with anyone. My emotions are deep, thus exaggerated. With high empathy, I often find myself crying with a stranger over their story. I get highly upset when I see or even hear disturbing things and take weeks, sometimes months, to get over it.

My childhood also became clear. In first grade, I hid during breaks and didn’t make friends for a while. I felt embarrassed and thought something was wrong with me. Now, I understand that the noise and chaos during breaks overwhelmed me. I was the odd one out in my family as well and felt misunderstood. Knowing why I acted or reacted in certain ways has helped me look back at myself with more grace.

Being an HSP means that I can concentrate deeply, spot small differences, easily read people, and understand what they think and feel. Sensitive people often possess great creativity, insight, and passion. This trait has contributed largely to my career and has allowed me to build several businesses with my husband, all…