Close-up of a teary eye with sensitivity stigma text.

Being Labeled "Too Sensitive" and Why It's Not True

Do you sometimes feel that people don't get you? Maybe you've been upset or hurt, and someone has told you, "You're too sensitive." That can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for just having emotions. But that's not the case at all. Your emotions are yours, and they're important. This idea of being "too sensitive" is often something people say when they might not be treating you very well.

Woman sitting and thinking, holding a tissue box.

You know how it is when you feel super happy or maybe really sad? That's just you having feelings, and everyone has them. But some people might try to tell you "You're too sensitive," and here's why that's not right:

  1. They're Not Listening to You
    If someone says you're "too sensitive," it could mean they're not really listening to what you're trying to say about how you feel.
  2. They Make It Seem Like You're In The Wrong
    It's kind of like if someone steps on your toe and then says you're wrong for saying "ouch." If they tell you that you're "too sensitive," they're trying to say that you shouldn't be feeling the way you do.
  3. They Do This All The Time
    Pay attention and you might notice that they don't just brush off your feelings, they do it to other people, too. This is a sign they don’t think about others' feelings much.
  4. It Breaks The Trust
    When someone keeps telling you you're "too sensitive," it can be hard to trust them. It’s like they don't respect your feelings.
  5. It Makes You Feel Weak, But You're Not
    Some folks might think that if you're sensitive, you're not strong. But that's not true. Being able to feel things strongly means you have a big heart.
  6. It Can Stop You From Feeling
    If someone says it enough, you might try to hide your feelings. But that's not good for you. It's natural to feel things, and it's part of who you are.

Your big feelings are part of what makes you special. If someone tells you that you're "too sensitive," they're not being fair. Your feelings help make your life colorful and full, so it's okay to show them. It’s good to share them with others who understand and care but it is also important to always be respectful and kind.

Young woman feeling stressed and worried indoors.

When people tell you "You're too sensitive" and they might have their reasons, but it's good to remember that what you feel is okay. Here's a deeper look at why they might be saying that, along with some more things to consider:

Not Wanting to Say Sorry

It's like if someone bumps into you and then blames you for being in the way. Some people find it easier to tell you that you're being "too sensitive" instead of just saying they're sorry for what they did. They're avoiding admitting they made a mistake.

Trying to Have Control

When people say you're "too sensitive," it's a bit like they're trying to turn down the volume of your feelings. They're trying to control how you should feel because maybe your true feelings make it hard for them to do just anything they want.

Feelings Make Them Nervous

Have you ever seen someone get twitchy when the room gets too loud? Big emotions can do that to some people. They may not know how to deal with someone expressing strong emotions, so they say you're "too sensitive" to quiet things down.

They Just Don't Understand

Not everyone can walk in your shoes. So, when you're hurt by something that might not bother them, they might not be able to see it from your perspective. That lack of understanding can lead them to wrongly label you as "too sensitive."

They Could Be Jealous

Sometimes, being sensitive means you see the world in a unique and beautiful way. Some people might be a little jealous that you can feel things they can't, so they say you're "too sensitive" to make themselves feel better.

They're Afraid of Real Talk

When emotions get real, it can mean having deep talks about tough stuff. And that scares some people a lot. So they might try to stop the conversation before it starts by saying you’re "too sensitive."

They Fear Being Vulnerable

If someone's used to keeping all their feelings locked up, seeing you being open with your emotions might scare them because it reminds them of their own feelings they're trying to hide. So they call you "too sensitive" as a way to protect themselves from their own vulnerability.

It's Easier to Blame You

Sometimes, it’s just easier to point at someone else than to look inside and see what might be going wrong with ourselves. When they don’t want to deal with their issues, they might find it easier to blame you for being "too sensitive."

Hearing "You're too sensitive" can feel strange, especially when you're just being you. But remember, they're not seeing the whole picture. Feeling things deeply is part of what makes you, you. So stand firm in your feelings - they're as important as anyone else's. And there's nothing wrong with having a big heart.

Woman enjoying a warm drink by the window.

It's not fun being told "You're too sensitive." If someone says this to you, here’s what you can do to feel better and stand up for yourself.

  • Understand that your feelings are normal, and it's alright to feel them. No one else can tell you how to feel.
  • Take a moment to think about why you're hurt. If someone else were in your shoes, they might feel the same way.
  • If you're feeling really upset, it might be because it’s reminding you of something that happened a long time ago. That's a sign to look back and try to fix what's been bothering you.
  • Find someone you trust, like a friend or family member, and talk to them about how you feel. They can help you make sense of it all.
  • Putting your feelings on paper can help. It's like having a conversation with yourself that could make things feel clearer.
  • Take a few deep breaths, go out for a walk, or do something you like. When you're calm, it's easier to think and feel better.
  • It's good to let people know, nicely, when something isn’t right for you. It's a way of looking after your own feelings.
  • If you can, tell the person who called you "too sensitive" how their comment made you feel. They might not realize what they said was hurtful and could learn from you.
  • If it all feels too big to handle on your own, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional, like a counselor or a mentor, who can guide you through tough feelings.

When someone tells you you're "too sensitive," remember they can't tell you how to feel. Your feelings belong to you and they're important. You're allowed to have them, and people who truly care about you will understand that.

Two women having a conversation over coffee.

Now let's talk about Stand Strong Mentoring. Picture us as a friend you can count on when you're feeling dismissed. If anyone makes you feel small for being "too sensitive," we're here to listen to you and help you sort through your feelings.

When you're feeling unsure about your emotions or someone makes you think you're "too sensitive", Stand Strong Mentoring is just a message away. With us, you'll find support to see how important your emotions really are. We'll stand by all the feelings you have.

Your ability to feel strongly about things is incredible. It lets you see the world richly and care deeply about others and what's happening around you. Stand Strong Mentoring is here to help you make your sensitivity a powerful tool.

Woman enjoying coffee and reading a book.

Being someone who feels a lot can be amazing. Your emotions can help you care for others, understand them, and make strong relationships. When people say you're "too sensitive," they don't realize they're saying how thoughtful and caring you are.

If ever you need someone to lean on or to understand you, that's where Stand Strong Mentoring comes in. We'll help you embrace how sensitive you are. We'll show you how to use your emotions for good and feel proud of them.

Hands clasping and silhouette with sunset background, logo overlay.

Ready to see how strong your emotions can make you? Reach out to Stand Strong Mentoring. You don't have to deal with things by yourself. Whether you need help right now or you want to build up your strength for the future, we'll be there for you.

Come talk to us, and we'll make sure people hear you and respect how you feel. You're not too sensitive—you're just right, and we'll help you see that.

Remember, your emotions are a big part of you, and they're beautiful. They help you connect with others, feel joy, sadness, love, and everything in between. So when someone tells you that you're "too sensitive," know that what they're really doing is pointing out something special about you. And if you ever need help seeing that, Stand Strong Mentoring is here to help.


Share
Start Living Your Truth Logo
Learn to understand yourself deeply, heal from old wounds, succeed in work you love, build strong friendships, and keep yourself feeling good

Contact us

social media

© Start Living Your Truth 2024. All rights reserved.