If someone displays these 10 behaviors, they’re probably an HSP

Ever heard of an HSP? No, it’s not a sandwich shop. HSP stands for Highly Sensitive Person. Sounds interesting, right?

It’s not about being a crybaby. It’s about feeling things more intensely than others. And guess what? It’s not rare.

In fact, 1 out of 5 people are HSPs. They might get rattled by loud noises, hate violent movies, or notice small changes that others miss.

So, how can you tell if you or someone you know is an HSP? It can be tricky because people often mix it up with being shy or an introvert. But we’re here to break it down for you.

Let’s dive into these 10 behaviors that might mean someone is an HSP.

1. They’re deeply moved by beauty

If someone you know gets really emotional when they see a beautiful sunset, hear a piece of touching music, or even read a particularly poignant passage in a book, they might be an HSP.

This is because HSPs tend to have strong emotional responses to beauty and art. They often have a deep appreciation for nature and can easily be moved to tears by these experiences.

It’s like they feel things on a level that others don’t. So next time your friend wells up at the sight of a beautiful painting, remember, they might just be an HSP!

2. They need alone time

Is your friend or family member someone who cherishes their alone time? Do they often need to retreat to a quiet corner after a long day or a big social event?

This could be a sign that they are an HSP. Highly Sensitive People often need quiet time to recharge their batteries.

It’s not that they don’t enjoy being around people, but rather that they can get easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation.

So, if someone you know often seeks solitude and peace, they could be an HSP!

3. They notice small changes

I’ll never forget when I moved a plant in my living room. It was a tiny change, something most people wouldn’t even notice.

But my friend, who I later found out is an HSP, noticed it immediately. “Did you move that plant?” they asked, pointing to the new location. I was surprised.

It was such a minor change and yet they noticed it right away. This is typical for Highly Sensitive People. They’re very observant and often pick up on small changes in their environment that others might miss.

4. They’re more prone to emotional overwhelm

Highly Sensitive People have a richer sensory experience due to their enhanced processing of sensory information.

This trait, while allowing a deeper connection with the world around them, may also lead to a heightened response to stressors and emotional saturation.

If someone seems to grapple with emotional overwhelm, they might possess this high sensitivity trait.

It’s essential to remember that being highly sensitive isn’t a disorder. There are numerous strategies available to manage these emotional responses and maintain a balanced lifestyle. 

5. They’re extremely intuitive

Have you ever met someone who just seemed to ‘get’ you? Someone who could pick up on your feelings without you even saying a word? They might be an HSP.

Highly Sensitive People have a sort of sixth sense when it comes to reading others.

They’re able to pick up on subtle non-verbal cues, making them exceptional at understanding how others are feeling.

This can make them amazing friends, partners, and confidantes.

Their ability to empathize deeply can provide comfort in times of struggle and make you feel truly seen and heard. If you know someone like this, cherish them. They’re probably an HSP and their intuition is a beautiful gift.

6. They get overwhelmed by harsh criticism

I still remember the day my boss gave me some tough feedback at work. Most of my colleagues seemed to take similar comments in their stride, but for me, it felt like a punch in the gut.

I found myself replaying the conversation over and over in my head, feeling upset and overwhelmed. Turns out, this is a common reaction for Highly Sensitive People.

We tend to take criticism very personally and can spend a lot of time ruminating over it. It’s not that we can’t handle feedback, it’s just that we process it more deeply.

So if you know someone who seems to struggle more than usual with criticism, they might just be an HSP. 

7. They can’t handle violent or disturbing media

You know that latest hit horror movie everyone’s talking about? The one with the gruesome scenes and heart-stopping scares? Yeah, an HSP would probably rather stick pins in their eyes than watch that.

It’s not that they’re wimpy or overly squeamish. The truth is, the intense emotions and graphic images can be just too much for their sensitive systems to handle

. It can leave them feeling distressed, upset, and even physically unwell. And it’s not just horror movies – violent news stories or disturbing books can have the same effect.

If you have a friend who always declines the invite to the latest thriller, don’t give them a hard time. They might just be protecting themselves the best way they know how – because they’re an HSP.

8. They dislike sudden changes

When I was younger, I remember my family decided to move houses.

While this was exciting for everyone else, it felt like my world was falling apart.

I had a tough time adjusting to this sudden change, which seemed to affect me more than my siblings.

Looking back now, I realize that this difficulty with sudden changes is a common trait among Highly Sensitive People.

We thrive on routine and predictability and can feel stressed and anxious when confronted with unexpected changes.

So if you see someone struggling more than others with a sudden shift in plans or circumstances, they might just be an HSP!

9. They’re often told they’re too sensitive

Ever been told you’re too sensitive? That you need to grow a thicker skin? It’s a common refrain for HSPs. From a young age, we can be made to feel like there’s something wrong with us. Like our sensitivity is a burden, a flaw.

But the truth is, being an HSP isn’t about being weak or fragile. It’s about experiencing the world in a more vivid and profound way.

So if you’ve ever been told you’re ‘too much,’ remember this – there’s no such thing as too sensitive. You’re an HSP, and that’s something to be proud of.

10. They struggle with decision-making

Ever spent hours agonizing over a menu, trying to decide what to order? Or maybe you’ve lost sleep over a decision most people would consider minor. Welcome to the world of an HSP.

We tend to overthink things, which can make decision-making feel like an uphill battle. It’s not that we’re indecisive or wishy-washy.

It’s just that we weigh up every option, consider every outcome, and fear making the wrong choice. So if you find yourself wrestling with decisions, big or small, you might just be an HSP.

Remember, being an HSP isn’t a weakness. It’s a unique way of experiencing the world that brings with it many strengths, like empathy, intuition, and creativity.

So if you recognize these traits in yourself or someone else, celebrate them! You’re part of the wonderful world of Highly Sensitive People.