Being sensitive doesn’t mean you’re fragile or full of drama. It means you notice details and reflect on experiences more deeply than most people.
This article has been adapted from my book, Sensitive, which was named an Amazon Best Book of the Year and a Berkeley Science Center Favorite Book of the Year.
Have you ever been told that you’re “too sensitive”? Well, being highly sensitive is a real thing! It means you notice details in your surroundings and reflect on ideas, emotions, and experiences more deeply than others do.
People often dislike being called sensitive because they think it means you’re fragile or full of drama. But that’s not what I mean by “sensitive.” I’m talking about having a mind and body that respond more to the world around you.
In fact, a better word for “sensitive” might be “responsive.” In my book, Sensitive, co-authored with Andre Sólo, we explain that sensitive people respond more to heartbreak, pain, and loss, but they also respond more to beauty, new ideas, and joy. The sensitive mind goes deep where others only skim the surface.
Highly sensitive people often share similar characteristics, like feeling stressed in busy environments and having a rich emotional world. (Here are 27 “strange” things that most highly sensitive people do.) However, everyone’s sensitivity is unique. Researchers have identified three different types of sensitivity, and some people may have more than one type.
Understanding which type(s) of sensitivity you have can help you better understand how you react to different situations. Here’s a quick overview of the three types. Do any of these resonate with you?
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The 3 Types of Sensitivity
1. You’re a “super sensor” (low sensory threshold).
If you’re what we call a super sensor, you’re sensitive to the information you take in through your senses, like sights, smells, sounds, and textures. This type of sensitivity makes you very aware of your surroundings but also means you can get overstimulated quickly.
You might be a super sensor if any of these tendencies apply to you:
- You tend to be observant and perceptive, making you a valuable asset in situations that require attention to detail, like planning an event, proofreading, or troubleshooting.
- You know what needs to change to improve an uncomfortable environment. For example, you might notice a room is too cold or too hot and suggest adjusting the thermostat. Or you might find the lighting too harsh or dim and suggest changing the bulbs or adjusting the fixtures to create a more pleasant atmosphere.
- You get tired easily or feel overwhelmed in loud or busy places, like noisy restaurants, crowded stores, or large networking events.
- Your body is sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, medication, or other substances. Even small amounts can trigger strong reactions, and you may feel their effects more intensely than most people. For you, a little goes a long way.
- You might feel uncomfortable with certain things you see, hear, or touch. Loud noises like alarms or shouting can make you anxious or upset. Scratchy clothes or textures can irritate and distract you. Bright lights or glare can make your eyes hurt and give you headaches.
2. You’re a “super feeler” (ease of excitation).
If you’re a super feeler, you easily respond to emotional stimuli, both from within yourself and from other people. This type of sensitivity often comes with an innate ability to read people, but it also means you may stress over details or struggle more with painful emotions.
You might be sensitive in this way if you experience these behaviors or feelings:
- You feel things deeply and have a rich emotional life.
- You have high levels of empathy, which can strengthen your relationships, improve your communication, increase your emotional intelligence, and build trust with others.
- You often absorb the emotions of those around you. When someone close to you is upset or stressed, you might start to feel that way too, even if you were feeling good before. This happens to everyone to some extent, because emotions are contagious. But for you, it’s stronger and more frequent.
- You need plenty of downtime to process your emotions and experiences and recharge your energy. You don’t necessarily have to be alone during this time, but it’s important to be in a quiet and peaceful place while doing something calm and relaxing — like reading a book, watching a show, or lounging in bed.
- You try hard to avoid making mistakes. For example, you might double-check your work multiple times to ensure accuracy or spend extra time researching a topic to make sure you have all the information correct. You may feel very uncomfortable or anxious if you think you’ve made a mistake.
- You feel stressed or frazzled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time.
- You get hangry (hungry + angry) easily.
- You’re very sensitive to physical pain (you have a low pain tolerance).
- You jump easily (you have a high startle reflex).
3. You’re an aesthete (aesthetic sensitivity).
If you’re an aesthete, you pay close attention to details in your surroundings, especially artistic ones. You have a deep appreciation for art and beauty.
Signs you might have high aesthetic sensitivity include:
- You notice artistic details that others might miss. For example, you may spot a particular flower blooming in a garden or a subtle hint of blue in a paint color.
- You deeply enjoy and are profoundly affected by music, poetry, artwork, novels, movies, TV shows, beautiful scenes in nature, or a nicely decorated room. For example, a cheerful song might make you feel very happy, or a sad movie might easily bring you to tears.
- You have a strong appreciation for delicate scents or tastes, like those of a fine wine.
- You have a rich, imaginative inner world. You might enjoy imagining stories, characters, and different situations in your mind. You may also be good at visualizing things, like what a scene would look like or what something might feel like. This ability can help you come up with new ideas and ways of thinking.
Remember, sensitivity is in your genes, but it’s also shaped by your experiences and upbringing. This makes sensitivity a complex trait that varies from person to person. You may identify with one, two, or all three types of sensitivity to different degrees. Understanding your sensitivity can help you live a more fulfilling life and embrace the strengths that come with it.
For too long, society has told us that sensitivity is a weakness, when it’s actually your greatest strength. To learn more about your superpower, check out my book, Sensitive. It was named an Amazon Best Book of 2023 and a Berkeley Science Center Favorite Book fo the Year! Susan Cain says, “This important book reframes the way we think about sensitivity and shines a light on the great power of being highly attuned to the world.” Click here to buy it on Amazon. 
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