We’ve talked about highly sensitive person traits in the past, whether it’s learning to handle criticism or exploring your sensitivity through reflective journal prompts, but there’s always more to uncover. We’ve actually had this article on our calendar for many moons, but I started to overthink, and wonder if it would come off as self-indulgent—which I finally recognized as my ego looking for external validation rather than just sharing something dear to me.
I write what I know, and what I know is living life as a highly sensitive person.
And I want to share a few positive traits of the HSP, because I find that sensitivity can feel like a burden. There’s no way around the overwhelm that often comes with being more sensitive to certain things, but it’s important to recognize when this is of value to ourselves and the world around us…if for no other reason than cultivating a bit more self confidence.
5 positive highly sensitive person traits
Empathic
I think the most positive HSP personality trait has to do with empathy, as painful as it can feel at times. You know the phrase “carrying the weight of the world” on your shoulders? That’s what being extremely empathetic is. Without a conscious thought, you feel the emotions of others—and even society around you—on such a deep level that sometimes you wonder how you can go on with all the heaviness around. Yet, the world needs more empathetic people—no one can deny that we need more people to care. As difficult as it can be, when a sensitive person learns how to navigate the world with emotional boundaries in place, they can turn this challenging trait into a beautiful one, where they use their empathy to help the greater good.
Thoughtful
You’ll never meet someone more thoughtful than an HSP! Seriously, sensitive people are full of thoughts. They have a great ability dream up solutions that are good for everyone, not just one person or themselves. Usually, HSPs are trying to find a solution that makes everyone happy. And while that might be a challenge for them and can certainly lead to some people-pleasing and perfectionist tendencies, it also can lead to unique new ideas and compromises that help the most people possible.
Prepared
HSPs almost always come prepared because, for one, they’re super considerate. They think of how their actions, such as being unprepared, affect others. Secondly, they like to mull things over internally before taking action, which often means planning in advance and preparing mentally before events or situations. A caveat here is that unfortunately many HSPs do experience anxiety. This can lead to overthinking and over preparedness (another perfectionist trait), which can be a source of stress for themselves and others. There’s a balance to be stuck here, but it can often lead to a positive outcome!
Thinks before they speak
Along with that, highly sensitive people often think before they speak. And because of this, they share good ideas. In work or social situations, HSPs like to have that internal dialogue before presenting ideas to the group. This gives them time to really consider what they want to say. It also allows them more space to listen to others (and ultimately consider their POV too). While you may feel exhausted by your mind’s ability to overthink, consider the positives—thinking things through can can lead to less emotional reactivity and more mindful decisions and conversations.
Detail-oriented
One more of the many positive highly sensitive person traits is their attention to detail. It can feel overwhelming to be emotionally and physically susceptible to so much of the stimuli around us. But if we’re mindful, we can soak up a lot of useful information and observations. This can be important for your work life, personal relationships, and overall self-awareness.
Of course, all of these are good qualities of a person, but if you are struggling to navigate your sensitivity, I know it’s easy to think of the personality traits above as negatives. And while they can be very challenging, they also contribute to your powerful intuitive sense, strong moral compass, and desire to make the world a better place!
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