 Hey Psych2Go family, do you have anyone in your life who might be a highly sensitive person? According to Dr. Elaine Aron, highly sensitive people, also known as HSPs, have a more sensitive nervous system that allows them to perceive information on a deeper level than most and respond to stimuli more strongly. It's a heritable, biological disposition found in 15 to 20% of people all over the world. An HSP can see things going on deep beneath the surface that most of us can't. Not sure if your friend really is an HSP? Here are 10 definitive signs to look out for. 1. They're good at reading people. Does your friend always seem to know what you're thinking or how you're feeling before you yourself can even understand it completely? HSPs have a knack for reading other people and their emotions because they're so in tune with everything around them. It's easy for them to gauge your emotions just from your facial cues, mannerisms, or body language. They're observant, intuitive, and incredibly skilled at non-verbal communication. 2. They like to think things through. Does your friend like to ask for other people's opinions before they make their own choices? HSPs take their time making sure that things are what they really want. When it comes to making decisions, they'll think long and hard about what's best for everyone involved. They're mindful of how their words and actions affect the people around them. 3. They're easily overwhelmed. Is your friend wary of places or situations where there's a lot of noise, right lights, or commotion? Are parties, nightclubs, concerts, and festivals just not their thing? If this sounds like your friend, they'll probably also need a lot of space and time alone to decompress because they can't handle being stimulated for too long. HSPs are easily overwhelmed and often quake to absorb the emotions of others. So if you're in a bad mood, it's probably going to put your friend in a bad mood too. 4. They can't stand cruelty. Is your friend protective of you? Have they ever stood up for you when someone else was mean to you? HSPs usually have strong moral principles. It's hard for them to sit by idly when they see someone else being hurt or mistreated. Graphic depictions of violence make them uncomfortable because they often feel other people's pain as if it's their own. They'll never put someone else down just to make themselves feel good and they believe in equality, fairness, and justice. 5. They're highly empathetic. Another great quality many highly sensitive people share is their incredible gift for empathy. Compassionate and understanding, HSPs make other people feel heard and validated because they also make sure to consider everyone's point of view. They're some of the most considerate and soft-hearted individuals you will ever have the pleasure of meeting and you'd be lucky to call one your friend. 6. They're great at listening. Does your friend take time to listen to what you have to say? Do you get the sense that they really care by giving you their full attention? Highly sensitive people are great listeners and they're always ready to lend an ear to a friend in need. HSPs are supportive and reassuring and are more than happy to help you work through all your feelings and to listen to your problems. They're also incredibly insightful and great at giving advice. 7. They're very self-aware. Do you know anyone who knows their mind better than anyone? Are you in awe of the way they seem to be in tune with their inner self? Most highly sensitive people are deep thinkers with a rich inner life. Their heightened sensitivity allows them to be more self-aware and introspective than most. They're in touch with their own thoughts, feelings and beliefs. As a result, they usually have a self-deprecating but healthy sense of humor questioning their own decisions and recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses. 8. They're passionate. Do others call your friend a drama queen or a crybaby? But you know that's not the case. They're just passionate people with a lot of heart. They dedicate themselves fully to everything they do and experience everything life has to offer wholeheartedly. They're enthusiastic, free-spirited, idealistic, driven and determined. They stand by what they believe in and stay true to themselves no matter what. 9. They're artistic. Is your friend passionate about a certain form of art? Do they often express themselves through art? Research shows that a large majority of HSPs tend to be artistically inclined because their emotions are so much more intense and powerful than most of us, many of them channel it into a creative outlet like painting, writing, singing or dancing. It's easy for them to get lost in the melody of a song or the stroke of a paint brush. 10. They're emotionally open. Do you know anyone who wears their heart on their sleeves? Highly sensitive people aren't afraid to be vulnerable or emotionally open. They love passionately and think about life deeply. They get hurt easily, cry easily and upset easily because sometimes they feel overwhelmed by all of their emotions. Something simple can mean so much for them and there are some of the purest and most generous souls around. Navigating life as an HSP can be tricky, but there's a lot you can do to make it easier for them. Remain honest with them about your emotions, respect their boundaries in personal space and connect with them in a meaningful way. Encourage them to embrace their sensitivity. Don't ever make them feel like they have to change to be accepted because HSPs make the world a better place in their own gentle, beautiful way. Does this video describe your friend, someone in your life or perhaps you? Do let us know in the comments below. Also, remember to share this video with those who might benefit from it. 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