Too sensitive?

[Judy02]

Just a question to put out there, to get everyones thoughts. But, do you think it is possible to be too sensitive? How do you define what is too sensitive? Any examples? Would you just base it on what people are like on average, from who you know?

It's something I'm really wondering about. I often wonder if I'm too sensitive. I feel things very deeply, I find it hard to compartmentalize or switch off when I need to, say when going to work, and it's caused me problems before, where I find it hard to not let things happening in my personal life affect me at work sometimes.

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, and if I'm upset people usually know, and I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. Although I'm aware that unfortunately in some places or situations, it is not always safe to do so.

I think I'm worse than I used to be, and wonder if sometimes it can cause me problems, so am just after some people's opinions about this subject...anything really

I'm just doing some reflections on myself and any thoughts, experiences or advice from anyone would probably be helpful.

Thanks

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

I'll post more on this later since its after 4am here. But for now I'll say it depends on how your sensitivity is. For me I am a VERY sensitive guy. Some non-believers even said I was gay because I have sensitivities of a woman. Though obviously they said it because of the typical world views of "Real men don't cry!".

I feel things deeply to. Being disabled and having a hard life I also can heavily empathize with people. To the point of when at funerals, I can't even go to them anymore because the pain is overwhelming I feel from them. I'd say in your case the only thing to be careful about is that you mentioned it can carry over into your work.

 

[look4hope]

Being sensitive isn't a bad thing. We all view it differently, depending on our personality etc. I could be considered a very sensitive person, as I show my emotions easily.
But again, keep in mind that expressing how you feel, is only a good thing.

~Blessings~

 

[ValleyGal]

There is nothing wrong with feeling things deeply. I think if most of us are honest, we are all sensitive to a degree. I've been told by some that I'm "cold" because although I feel things very deeply, I have learned to control expression. Since it is affecting your work, though, I would suggest reading about emotional intelligence, and maybe finding ways to increase it so that your expression is a bit more controlled where it will not affect your work or negatively affect your relationships. I mean, there is a time and place for controlled expression. I say "controlled" because you do not want to unleash your pain or anger to its full extent in front of the wrong people or sin in those contexts (easy to do when you are very angry).

 

[turkle]

It doesn't sound like the issue is being sensitive, but more a matter of self control.

Part of maturity is knowing when it is appropriate to express emotion and when it is not. It's important to know remember that self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22 - 23). It is healthy to feel....it is not healthy to express them inappropriately.

That is especially true at work. The best employees are those that get the job done efficiently and without drama. If that is a problem for you, ask God to help you control your behavior when you need to. I think you will find that you can grow a lot by doing so.

 

[bluegreysky]

Just a question to put out there, to get everyones thoughts. But, do you think it is possible to be too sensitive? How do you define what is too sensitive? Any examples? Would you just base it on what people are like on average, from who you know?

It's something I'm really wondering about. I often wonder if I'm too sensitive. I feel things very deeply, I find it hard to compartmentalize or switch off when I need to, say when going to work, and it's caused me problems before, where I find it hard to not let things happening in my personal life affect me at work sometimes.

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, and if I'm upset people usually know, and I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. Although I'm aware that unfortunately in some places or situations, it is not always safe to do so.

I think I'm worse than I used to be, and wonder if sometimes it can cause me problems, so am just after some people's opinions about this subject...anything really

I'm just doing some reflections on myself and any thoughts, experiences or advice from anyone would probably be helpful.

Thanks

I don't think feeling feelings deeply makes you too sensitive.
I think "too sensitive" describes someone who gets hurt or offended at every little thing even what doesn't involve them and can't keep it quiet.
If it hurts inside, it's between you and God. As soon as you let that show, it's between you and everyone else.
If your friend is saying something ignorant or offensive to you about something you love, yes by all means speak up. calmly.
if 2 coworkers are talking to each other on the other side of the breakroom and not to you and you overhear a rude comment about Mexico and you love Mexico or you're from Mexico... well, you might want to yell at them or cry but the conversation didn't concern you. walk away.
I had to learn not to be easily offended at jobs by customer attitudes and coworker issues.

I still get offended and put off by them, but it helps to pretend that there's a bubble around me. An invisible force-field about 5 feet around me in all directions and their words and emotions are little darts and the darts are flying everywhere but they are bouncing off the outsides of my invisible force-field. when someone says my name, the field opens in front of me and only their words and their "darts" can get in.
if they are throwing darts with their words, I can address it.
But darts from other people still cannot hurt me. they are just passing by
to go to other people.
Then when I ask a bank customer if he would like to order a debit card, and he yells at me that a debit card is terrible because it's just asking for fraud to happen, I don't get my feelings hurt by the rejection.
His darts are aimed at a concept and not at me and my field is up.

 

[TravelerFarAwayFromHome]

Just a question to put out there, to get everyones thoughts. But, do you think it is possible to be too sensitive? How do you define what is too sensitive? Any examples? Would you just base it on what people are like on average, from who you know?

It's something I'm really wondering about. I often wonder if I'm too sensitive. I feel things very deeply, I find it hard to compartmentalize or switch off when I need to, say when going to work, and it's caused me problems before, where I find it hard to not let things happening in my personal life affect me at work sometimes.

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, and if I'm upset people usually know, and I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. Although I'm aware that unfortunately in some places or situations, it is not always safe to do so.

I think I'm worse than I used to be, and wonder if sometimes it can cause me problems, so am just after some people's opinions about this subject...anything really

I'm just doing some reflections on myself and any thoughts, experiences or advice from anyone would probably be helpful.

Thanks

can you give an example on when you feel things too deeply, and ended up upsetting people?

I think we all feel emotions, there is nothing wrong with that.

though many emotions itself could be precursor to sinning, anger is a good example.

it is always helpful to find ways to handle those emotions before they manifest into sins.

also in end of the day, it is your responsibility to make sure you don't sin against others, and God will help you with that.

also were there life experiences that may have caused you to be sensitive?

for example, with me, I have experience of being bullied by other Christians, and for a long time, it does not take much for me to feel vindictive when I feel I am being taken advantage of in the church.

but it is not until recently I realized it is unforgiveness and refuse to let go of past hurts that is causing my reaction, and once I begin to start letting go, I no longer react as easily.....

like I have mentioned, each one of us is responsible for our own conduct.

we are not responsible for what others have done to us, but we are still responsible for our reaction to them.....

lastly, wearing one's heart on the sleeve is not good idea....

it is OK to do it with close family members and trust worthy friends....

but to do it with anyone, even in church, you "might" be inviting for people to use it against you later on.........

I know, I used to be like you, there were this guy who warned me, I didn't listen, and I got burned.......

 

[bottledwater]

Just a question to put out there, to get everyones thoughts. But, do you think it is possible to be too sensitive? How do you define what is too sensitive? Any examples? Would you just base it on what people are like on average, from who you know?

It's something I'm really wondering about. I often wonder if I'm too sensitive. I feel things very deeply, I find it hard to compartmentalize or switch off when I need to, say when going to work, and it's caused me problems before, where I find it hard to not let things happening in my personal life affect me at work sometimes.

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, and if I'm upset people usually know, and I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. Although I'm aware that unfortunately in some places or situations, it is not always safe to do so.

I think I'm worse than I used to be, and wonder if sometimes it can cause me problems, so am just after some people's opinions about this subject...anything really

I'm just doing some reflections on myself and any thoughts, experiences or advice from anyone would probably be helpful.

Thanks

Love the avatar Judy..
I tear up when watching some movies. But, I am all man.
It seems the older I get the more that things touch my heart.
So, I think it is fine to be sensitive. Atleast at my age. Maybe not when I was a kid in school, or back in my Navy days.
Now, if we are discussing something and you get sensitive to our discussion. I think that is a problem.
I always hate when others can say their piece and then when it is my turn to talk, they are all of a sudden sensitive and don't wanna hear it.
That isn't cool.

 

[iambren]

Some people have the emotional skin of an alligator and I SO envy them. To be sensitive probably means you pick up on other's needs and this equips you (even informs you) in ministering to them. A wonderful ministry in a world that routinely "kicks us to the curb".

The catch? I was taught long ago that our greatest strength is also our greatest weakness. Nothing wrong in guarding your heart.

Also good to be aware a weakness like OCD that can way you down. Blessings sister, I identified with what you wrote.

 

[Lulav]

Just a question to put out there, to get everyones thoughts. But, do you think it is possible to be too sensitive? How do you define what is too sensitive? Any examples? Would you just base it on what people are like on average, from who you know?

It's something I'm really wondering about. I often wonder if I'm too sensitive. I feel things very deeply, I find it hard to compartmentalize or switch off when I need to, say when going to work, and it's caused me problems before, where I find it hard to not let things happening in my personal life affect me at work sometimes.

I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, and if I'm upset people usually know, and I find it very difficult to pretend otherwise. Although I'm aware that unfortunately in some places or situations, it is not always safe to do so.

I think I'm worse than I used to be, and wonder if sometimes it can cause me problems, so am just after some people's opinions about this subject...anything really

I'm just doing some reflections on myself and any thoughts, experiences or advice from anyone would probably be helpful.

Thanks

Hi Judy, are you tired of being told you need to get a thicker skin, as if you could? It's like telling someone to grow a third arm. We are all made up differently and many of those who are more sensitive than most (notice I did not say too sensitive) find it difficult to be like that. It makes us more introspective but others see it differently.

Have you ever taken a personality test online or for a job? it may help to understand yourself better and to know you're not alone.

If you haven't here is a fairly simple and accurate one.