Apologies to the extroverted HSPs out there, because today I have a little sumthin’ for the innies. This is a special guest post by Sarah Jones of Introverted Alpha. Sarah focuses specifically on helping introverted men become successful with women in a way that is respectful, insightful, and genuine to both parties. One of the things that makes her successful is how well she understands the nature of introverts. Here’s Sarah with 5 reasons dating is challenging for introverts:
5 Reasons Dating is Challenging for Introverts (& What To Do About It)
June 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Highly Sensitive Men: successes & struggles
June 7, 2015 by 17 Comments
I feel uncomfortable writing or talking about issues with which I don’t have first hand experience-like being a parent or an extrovert. I want the things I write about to be honest and sincere. So, for this post (and the accompanying podcast episodes), I asked several highly sensitive men to share their stories and opinions.
While geared toward men, much of this can apply to all HSPs.
Why did I want to write specifically about men? There is the cultural expectation that women are more emotional and sensitive than men-that men should be tough and stoic. It seems to me that this could clash with the traits of being an HSP.
The challenges of being a highly sensitive man
The superpower of smell
June 1, 2015 by 52 Comments
A few years ago, I was standing in my kitchen and I faintly smelled something. Something bad. I said to Jim, “Do you smell that?” He says no.
Now I’m on a mission. “I swear I smell something bad. Where the heck is that coming from?” I mumbled to myself.
If you are anything like me, you know what came next. I searched every single corner of the kitchen looking for this smell. [Read more…]
High sensitivity isn’t a problem that needs to be fixed
May 31, 2015 by 7 Comments
“If you suffer from HSP…”
I saw this in a tweet the other day.
It made me wince.
HSP is not something you suffer from.
That’s like saying you “suffer” from being left-handed.
It’s not something that needs to be cured or fixed. It’s not something to be pitied. [Read more…]
Visceral Reactions to Blood & Guts
May 29, 2015 by 20 Comments
The other day, I started rambling to my long-suffering husband about childhood stories. I was talking about how blood, flesh, and dead creatures have always grossed me out in a big way. It seemed to me this could be related to being highly sensitive. If not, then hopefully it’s at least entertaining.
Story Time!
When I was in 5th grade, we were shown a cow lung in class. The entire class crowded around a long table as the teacher showed air expanding the lungs. I remember thinking it was interesting.
Someone looked at me and said, “Are you ok? You are white as a ghost.” [Read more…]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy…heard of it?
May 7, 2015 by 10 Comments
Lately, I have been hearing about cognitive behavioral therapy all over the place. From a close friend, HSPs who’ve emailed me to talk about it, in blog posts, and more. A friend told me in detail about her experience in cognitive therapy sessions, and I was fascinated. It made so much sense, and sounded so helpful for anyone who engages in damaging negative self-talk.
[Read more…]
Nice Nurse: The Importance of Compassionate Care
April 28, 2015 by 3 Comments
Imagine riding in a car with your friends, and everything goes black. The next thing you know, you are lying somewhere, but you can’t see. You’re in indescribable pain. You can’t speak. You can’t move your head.
Then you feel a soft touch on your hand and arm, and a caring voice explains that you were in a car accident. This person squeezes your hand and says, “I’m here.”
Those two words make a world of difference.
It takes me forever to do anything
April 12, 2015 by 3 Comments
I’m not fast. I’m not quick at doing most things.
However, I am deliberate and accurate.
One example of this is cooking. Even if I have one of those “20 minute meal” type recipes, it’s going to take me over an hour. I will wash, peel, slice, chop, and do every single thing with care and precision. [Read more…]
“Freedom” isn’t a Goal
April 6, 2015 by 6 Comments
I spent the better (worse?) part of nearly ten years working in a cubicle. To put it gently…I didn’t like it.
I wanted to escape from working in a cubicle in an office. I wanted to work for myself, from home (or wherever I wanted). I wanted FREEDOM and AUTONOMY. I thought that would solve all my problems.
I have explored this topic quite thoroughly in other posts and podcast episodes, like these….. [Read more…]
