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There is a cultural expectation that women are more emotional and sensitive than men and that men should be tough and stoic. This expectation could clash with the traits of being an HSP, for men.
For this show, I asked several highly sensitive men for their stories and opinions. Even though I intended this to be about males, much of information can apply to all HSPs.
In this Part 1, I talk about the challenges of being a male HSP. In Part 2, next week, I’ll talk about how to deal with those challenges as well as the positives of being a male HSP.
Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
I admire the courage of male HSPs. Kelly, you offer validation and healing.
Thank you Deborah! I always appreciate your posts. And you 🙂
Thank you for covering this topic, Kelly…though I wish I had known about the HSP trait decades ago, it is so validating just the same to know that there are lots of us who experience life in a similar manner.
I’m so glad that you decided to do a post about male HSP’s. Ever since I can remember, I’ve struggled with being a sensitive guy. Growing up, it made my life a lot harder than it really needed to be. I’m naturally introverted, and my solution is to try to contain my emotions as much as possible when I’m around other people. I feel like I can only express my emotions with a very small group of people. It does make me feel less manly, but as the years go by I seem to care less and less about what other people think. For a long time I wished that my emotions would just “dry up” so I could be an emotional brick like some people appear to be. It would make life a lot easier, but I still think that my emotional depth is a great gift. I’ve come to realize that I have a lot of strength and courage, even if the world around me doesn’t recognize it.
Throughout my life, a lot of my close friends have often been female. I think it’s probably because I’m extra sensitive, and women tend to relate to that. This doesn’t happen often, but what really frustrates me is when a woman criticizes me for being sensitive. I feel like it’s completely sexist to say that it’s okay for women to be sensitive, but not for men. And I think that as a woman, she should understand how I feel and be able to relate to it. Luckily most women are supportive and understanding, which I am eternally grateful for.
When it comes to relationships, I think the key for a HSP (male or female) is to find somebody that compliments your strengths and weaknesses. It’s difficult for HSP males, but your counterparts are out there. In my relationship, I may be highly-sensitive, but I’m strong in ways that my spouse is not. And I think that’s why things have worked out now for over four years. 🙂
Thanks for your post Tyler. I appreciated your insight into relationships and it actually inspired me to keep hope in searching for the right person. It’s been a struggle for me in many ways, but I’m doing my best to stay happy and hopeful. It’s nice to know that there are HSP counterparts out there (especially counterparts for HSP males), and I’m happy that things worked out for you. 🙂
Sure would appreciate it if there were a written transcript to accompany the podcast. Thanking in advance…hopefully.
Thanks for the comment! I would love to, but transcription services are expensive. 🙁 I will be writing a post that goes along with this episode soon!
Thanks for this episode Kelly. Being sensitive has definitely been a challenge in many social situations throughout my life and caused doubts and anxieties at various points that have taken some time to resolve. It feels really good to be able to talk about it with people who are accepting and understanding, and even similar minded too. 🙂
Love that you’re exploring the subject of how different genders are treated differently as an HSP! I am wondering if you’ve ever considered doing an episode on cultural differences between white people and people of color? Maybe including perspectives and experiences of POC? I know it tends to be less accepted to be sensitive in some cultures and it would be nice to include those perspectives.
Hi Kelly, I am so thrilled to have found your platform for HSP’s and the ” how to” navigate the non-HSP world! I am an Emotional Leadership Coach who specializes in working with HSP. I have co-facilitated workshops with Dr. Elaine Aron for the past 7 years, which has been amazing work. I am a HSP/Extrovert who is passionate about self- care, creating sustainable boundaries in business and love, and educates on the principles of integration of the divine feminine/divine masculine, and how HSP men can re-birth the masculine. How can we create a life that is fulfilling while we access our SUPERPOWER of being HSP! It would be an honor to guest on your program! I have examples of other podcasts and/or we can chat to see if their is a match. Thank you for your dedication and education of the innate trait and how to navigate. Blessings, Monica Zimmerman
Hi Monica! Thank you for the kind message! Unfortunately I am not doing new episodes of the podcast anymore. 🙁 If I ever started it again, I’d love to have you. 🙂