10 things you probably should not say to an empath/highly sensitive person.
Have you ever wondered why you are a certain way? Why the smallest things bother you, but not most of the people around you? Maybe you feel things so deeply, they even cause you to get physically sick?
Something came up a couple months ago after checking my analytics for my newsletter. I was feeling pretty proud of myself for staying consistent, receiving positive feedback and some of the letters were even providing leads for new website clients and yoga students.
And then it happened…
A couple people I knew unsubscribed.
If you blog or write newsletters for your own small business, I know you’ll understand my disappointment.
And if you are pretty well adjusted (and less sensitive than me), you understand unsubscribing happens for all sort of reasons. It usually has nothing to do with you, it’s usually just something going on with them. Or they simply need to declutter their inbox and are prioritizing, lol.
Well, at the time it upset me and I just quit. I haven’t sent a letter/update since. (ugh, kinda embarrassed now)
Weird, hey? Who knew such an insignificant event could affect decades of work.
I’ve done some mental health research and work since because I know most of the population isn’t this sensitive and I needed to figure out how to deal with being so “over-sensitive”.
Here’s the thing…being this sensitive isn’t bad. It can actually be an asset, or “superpower”. Just be mindful of what you are absorbing. Rest and recharge when you need. And let go of some of the comments directed your way, not everyone understands what it is like being an empath or HSP (highly sensitive person).
For years, however, I have had friends and family members treat me like I was some sort of weirdo and that I was always “too sensitive” and to “get over it”. My sensitive nature has even affected business connections and community relationships, (and not in a good way because I took many things too personally).
If any of this resonates with you, please know you are completely normal! And amazing. And awesome.
And if you are you curious if you too are “highly sensitive” or an empathetic person, take this short quiz.
I wanted to share a list of things to try and not say to an empathetic person. Don’t feel bad about it if you ever did, but now you know. ♥
10 things you should probably try to not say to a highly sensitive person, (but don’t feel bad if you have):
"You're too sensitive.": This dismissive comment can make an empath feel invalidated or ashamed of their natural sensitivity.
"Just toughen up.": Encouraging someone to suppress their emotions or sensitivity can be detrimental to their well-being.
"You're overreacting.": This can undermine the person's feelings and make them feel like their emotions aren't valid.
"I don't know why you let things bother you so much.": Implying that their reactions are unwarranted can make an empath feel misunderstood.
"You should learn to handle stress better.": Suggesting that they're not managing stress well can create additional pressure and anxiety.
"You're such a people-pleaser.": Labeling their desire to help or accommodate others can feel like a criticism rather than an acknowledgment of their caring nature.
"Why can't you just be like everyone else?": This comment implies that being different is a problem and can lead to feelings of isolation.
"You're too emotional.": Implying that they're overly emotional can cause an empath to suppress their feelings or feel ashamed.
"You need to let things go.": Telling someone to move on from their emotions can minimize their need to process and understand their feelings.
"I can't deal with your mood swings.": This statement can be hurtful and may discourage open communication about emotions.
I hope you enjoyed this and if it helps, please share! You can also find all my helpful lists and wellness tools, (and of course inspiring quotes) in my Pinterest boards. Come follow and I’ll follow you back!!
