10 Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person: HSPs in Love 🫶🏽
If you’re a Highly Sensitive Person or want to learn more about an HSP loved one, I want to welcome you to this space. Highly sensitive people are incredibly wonderful and unique and unfortunately can often be misunderstood or feel out of place. I hope to provide some insight or a starting place for you to learn more about your beautiful strengths.
As a therapist for HSPs one of the most important areas we can work on is your relationship to yourself as well as to others. Those stressors may show up in friendships, romantic relationships, or in the workplace. HSPs are often attuned to their outside world and the emotions of others in a way that can feel overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some signs that you might be an HSP.
HSPs in Love:
According to Elaine Aaron’s research, 15-20% of the population have the gene for being a highly sensitive person. While relationships can be one of the most beautiful aspects of our lives, they can also bring up old feelings, trigger underlying hurts, and lead to hard relational dynamics. Unfortunately, there are no systems for HSPs to learn how to thrive as they navigate dating and relationships. If you are an HSP, you may notice some of these examples fit your experiences in terms of your depth of processing, overstimulation, emotional responsiveness, and sensitivities to subtle stimuli. Let’s take a look at how this may impact you in dating and relationships. 🫶🏽
Depth of Processing
Sign #1. You take extra time and care to truly get to know your partner or prospective partner. You might find yourself deeply disappointed when you feel as if you are putting more effort or care into the relationship. You want to feel like your attunement is being reciprocated.
Sign #2. You can overwhelmed by wondering what the person you are dating is thinking. You’re curious about the way they think, what made them that way, and how they take in the world.
Overstimulation:
Sign #3. The rush of emotions as you get to know someone you really like can feel like too much for an HSP.
Sign #4. You compare yourself to their exes. You may doubt yourself and your worth in terms of how you are viewed and you may wonder if you’re good enough, interesting enough, pretty enough, etc…
Sign #5. You notice you still need alone time, even if you really like this new person.
Does being an HSP affect your relationships?
Learn more about how Therapy for Highly Sensitive People can help!
Emotional Responsiveness/Empathy:
Sign #6. You feel guilty saying no to spending time with them - even when you’re burned out and need self-care. You don’t want to hurt their feelings or lead them to feel as if they’ve done something wrong. Sometimes it’s easier to be the one who is tired or frustrated than to have them feel that way towards you.
Sign #7. You notice subtle shifts on dates (e.g., if your date is on their phone, distracted, or lost in thought). While you may not take it personally, it is easy to feel disconnected and alone.
Sign #8. It might take you a long time to let your partner know what is bothering you. You have plenty of time to process, explore your emotions, and know whether you feel safe to share what’s going on with you. You might feel lonely during this process while wishing that your partner would notice your shift in the way you would easily notice theirs.
Sensitivity to Subtleties/Sensory Stimuli:
Sign #9. You notice every little thing. If your new love is trying out a new laundry detergent, wearing a new hairstyle, or into a new hobby. You don’t miss much.
Sign #10. You get overwhelmed when there are too many things going on (e.g., you’re on a road trip and your new love is talking to you, playing loud music, and asking you to double check the directions). You might find yourself shutting down, getting teary, or even snappy without understanding what’s really going on for you.
Looking to create the life you want while honoring your HSP traits?
As a therapist for HSPs, I will meet you where you are and help you build up your beautiful strengths!
Where do I start?
One of the most commonly asked questions I receive from HSPs is, where do I start to find support? Oftentimes, it can feel overwhelming to share the sensitive parts of yourself, especially if you grew up with messages around your emotions and your worth.
I absolutely LOVE working with HSPs as you learn to 1) identify your values, 2) explore and state your needs, and 3) implement boundaries that reflect your beautiful HSP identity.
So…how you are respecting and honoring yourself today? Begin Working With an HSP therapist in Los Angeles, CA
If you’re ready to take steps to improve your well-being in the workplace, counseling for HSPs is a beautiful place to start. I’m looking forward to meeting you! You can start your therapy services with Worth and Wellness by following these simple steps:
Fill out our contact form online for a consultation.
Speak with our experienced dating therapist.
Begin your journey to self-discovery!
Other Services Offered at Worth and Wellness Psychology in Los Angeles, CA
Here at Worth and Wellness Psychology, we offer more than just therapy for dating. We specialize in EMDR therapy, trauma therapy, and anxiety treatment. We also provide therapy for therapists, online therapy, therapy for women of color, and therapy for individuals. Visit us today to start your journey to a better life!
About the Author, An HSP Therapist in LA and Orange County
Dr. Adrianna Holness, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Worth and Wellness Psychology, serving clients online and in-person throughout Los Angeles. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from Loma Linda University. As a trauma and PTSD psychologist, she specializes in creating space for healing and wholeness as clients take on the brave and beautiful work of addressing life’s hardest moments. She is trained in many evidence-based approaches that she uses as a part of Highly Sensitive Person Counseling.
Disclaimer:
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical or mental healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We cannot diagnose, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.
