Being Called ‘ Mr. Sensitive ’ Is Actually a Compliment

“You are too sensitive,” your father bellows. “Quit taking things personally,” a supervisor mutters. “When are you going to toughen up?” a coach asks. As a sensitive soul, the admonishments sting. You feel misunderstood. Family members chastise you as emotionally needy. Work colleagues disparage you as weak. In school, bullies ridicule you as soft. They are wrong. We live in world where bombast trumps self-reflection. Look at Donald Trump blustering his way to the Republican nomination. Look at an autocratic corporate executive thundering about soaring profit margins. Life is a full contact sport — or so mentors advise. And if getting ahead requires an elbow and demeaning comments, so be it. If you want to discuss your feelings, you can turn on Ellen. Lesson learned. Determined to “be tougher,” you brush past office acquaintances with a stone-faced glare. You dismiss interrupters with a brusque wave. But in this misguided attempt at toughness, you come across as stilted and rude. The real lesson: Instead of masking your sensitive side, embrace it. Your sensitivity is a gift. And one that family, friends, and acquaintances cherish. Even if their “tough guy shtick” won’t allow them to admit it. Emotional Thermostat Notice the person self-consciously stammering through small talk at the dinner party? Of course you did. As a sensitive soul, you have an uncanny ability to discern others’ emotional thermostat. While your dinner party companion...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Bullying Happiness Industrial and Workplace Inspiration & Hope Personal Psychology anxiety chronic shame Confidence Criticism Emotional Depth Empathetic Empathy Highly Sensitive Person insensitive Integrity Self Awareness Source Type: blogs