Tuesday, December 14, 2010

sens*i*tiv

Dictionary.com defines the word "sensitive" as:
1. Capable of perceiving with a sense or senses. (√)
2. Responsive to external conditions or stimulation. (√)
3. Susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others. (√)
4. Quick to take offense; touchy. (√)
5. Easily irritated: sensitive skin. (√)
6. Readily altered by the action of an agent: film that is sensitive to light.
7. Registering very slight differences or changes of condition. Used of an instrument.
8. Fluctuating or tending to fluctuate, as in price: sensitive stocks.
9. Of or relating to classified information: sensitive defense data; holds a sensitive position in the State Department.

Well, I've got the first 5 down. I wish as a 32 year old woman that I would stop being so sensitive. I take things seriously...I take things the wrong way...I get upset over things that are said...or a lot of times, not said. Today has been one of those days...and I've done a bit of reading up on how to stop being over-sensitive.

E-How.com says:
1) Learn how to take comments less seriously. Generally overly sensitive people get hurt easily when they feel someone said something to them in a 'wrong way'. Most of the time, whatever is said is not really rude or critical or even directly towards you, the person could be having a bad day, or their words are taken out of context.

2) Raise your level of confidence. Having confidence does not happen overnight as it take take time, maturity and practice to be sure of oneself. If someone makes a comment about you and you are either, ready to burst into tears or feel incredibly sad, respond back with a simple comment and do not overanalyze it. Think that it is not anything personal against you and take it in stride.

3) Stop with the 'I care so much about what everyone thinks of me' attitude. For starters, a caring attitude is a great quality and definitely needed in this world, but putting everyone else opinion of you above your own create problems. You have to build self-value in yourself and do not let a person's words ruin your whole day. Look at it this way, their words flies out their mouth, so at the end, they probably would not remember what they said. So if they do not care, why should you?

4)Change your thoughts and you will receive positive feedback. Reflections of own selves tend to bounce back on others so if you are super sensitive about everything in life, there will be people who will seem 'critical' of you. Improve your thoughts about yourself first and you will amaze that anyone's word will not stick like glue.

5)Embrace your sensitivity. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive, it shows you have concern for others but learn how to balance your sensitivity and have a thicker skin. Remember, every human who once lived on this Earth and those living in it presently has experienced a few folks that was not pleasant with their words, or had the tendency to say things without regards for other people feelings. While you cannot change these people way of thinking, take control of your own feelings and the way you express it. Also these types you should stay a distance from to keep negative energy away from you.

So, I'm going to try and work on these things...I'm tired of being the sensitive one. Though, at times, it can be a good thing (like #5 says above)...the majority of times, it's just a bummer.