How Do You Know Someone is an HSP?
I often get asked, "How do you know someone is an HSP?" So, I thought it would be both fun and helpful to create a list for you to share, spreading awareness about the wonderful trait of high sensitivity and its immense value to the world!
Here are some common traits in HSPs
Kindness and consideration towards others, demonstrating thoughtfulness in actions like closing gates and doors quietly to avoid disturbances and being aware of others' needs.
Heightened perception of sensory stimuli allows us the ability to experience the world in a more vibrant and nuanced way, leading to a deeper appreciation of sensory experiences, such as enjoying the beauty of nature, savoring delicious flavors, or immersing oneself in the richness of music and art.
Deep emotional sensitivity, accompanied by empathy and compassion, makes them exceptional listeners and supportive friends, enabling HSPs to be more attuned to their loved ones.
Enjoyment of quiet time as a means to recharge and rejuvenate.
Strong affinity and love for nature, including trees, water, and spending time outdoors.
Exceptional talent in creative pursuits, as HSPs are often among the best artists, writers, musicians, creators, and visionaries.
Proficiency in recognizing patterns and generating out-of-the-box ideas.
Keen observation skills, noticing subtle details and micro-expressions that others may miss, showcasing their heightened perceptiveness.
Introspective nature, with a deep desire to understand both themselves and others at a profound level.
Diligent in putting effort into getting things right the first time.
Characterized by honesty, genuineness, and a kind-hearted nature.
Known for going above and beyond in the workplace, often receiving high ratings from supervisors.
Willingness to go out of their way to help others.
Possession of a rich and vivid inner world, experiencing intense thoughts, emotions, and imaginative capabilities.
Heightened awareness of environmental subtleties, such as changes in temperature, lighting, or background noise.
High sensitivity to social dynamics, easily picking up on others' moods, intentions, and energy.
Strong sense of justice and fairness, often advocating for the underprivileged and marginalized.
Excel in roles requiring deep analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Strong empathetic abilities, offering valuable emotional support and guidance to others.
Deep appreciation for art, music, literature, and various forms of creative expression.
Guided by a strong moral compass, maintaining their principles even in challenging situations.
Deep connection with animals, often attuned to their needs and emotions.
Relying on intuition and gut feelings to navigate life's decisions and choices.
Demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility, sometimes taking on other people’s tasks in trying to be helpful.
Driven by a sense of purpose, actively seeking meaning in their work and relationships.
Valuing deep and meaningful connections, resulting in a smaller, close-knit circle of friends.
Preferring conversations of depth and meaning rather than small, surface-level talk.
High level of conscientiousness and commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.
I’m proud to identify as a highly sensitive person, and I hope you are too! Let’s share this list to help others see the many wonderful qualities found in HSPs!
Do you have anything you would like to add in the comments? ❤️
Learn More About Sensitivity
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A positive alternative to social media for sensitive people. We are a family that is there for one another, and it’s normalizing and validating to be with other kind-hearted HSPs!
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the exceptionally ranked Sensitive Empowerment Community. Julie's HSP Podcast is among the top 5% of the most shared and followed worldwide. Her online courses and free resources have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity, and her greatest joy lies in helping HSPs discover their significant value to the world. Julie's brain training program has proven to reduce anxiety within the first two weeks. Explore all her resources at JulieBjelland.com
Some men have expressed frustration about my focus on women’s autism experiences, but this emphasis addresses a longstanding research gap that makes women-centered support essential.