how to stop being sensitive?

Written by
GroovyYellowFireRollerInMarrakechWithJoy
Published on
Monday, 14 July 2025
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The story

Hey y'all, I’m a 21-year-old just trying to figure out life and navigate my emotions. So, I've been thinking a lot about how sensitive I am. Anyone else feel like they're just way too easily affected by the stuff people say? It seems like whenever someone even hints at criticism or throws a side-eye, I'm over here like, “Ouch, why did you have to say it like that?" Is it just me, or do we all have a little sensitive soul hiding in there?

Honestly, being sensitive can sometimes feel like a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it makes you empathetic and more in tune with others’ emotions. But on the flip side, it can be downright exhausting. I came across this quote by Shannon L. Alder that says, "Sensitivity isn’t about having a thin skin. It’s about experiencing the world around you more intensely than others do." It got me wondering if there’s a way to channel this sensitivity into something that doesn’t drain me or make me feel bad all the time. Any thoughts?

I’ve asked around and a lot of folks seem to say, “Just toughen up!” Like, seriously? If only it were that easy! I do think there's something to be said about learning to let things roll off your back. Some suggest meditation or those self-help books on stoicism, which makes me think of that popular book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson. It's interesting how he says finding something meaningful to care about can help filter out what doesn't genuinely matter. Do any of you guys practice this? Does it actually help?

Trying to figure out how to be less sensitive, I’m starting to wonderr if it really means changing who I am or just accepting it and learning how to deal with it better. I've read that simple steps like mindfulness, setting boundaries, and focusing on self-care are crucial. But it’s like, where do you even start with that? Journaling seems to help some folks. Apparently, it’s good for understanding and processing emotions, without them dictating how you feel every time someone looks at you funny.

Are any of you on this same journey? 🤔 I am all ears for any advice or personal experiences you want to share about ways you've tried or how you've succeeded in being less sensitive. It seems like a tightrope walk between staying true to yourself and not letting every little comment get under your skin. How do you balance that? I’m curious to hear if you have found a way or if it's just something you learn to live with. Anyway, thanks for listening, and any insight would be really appreciated!

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RoyalTerracottaLightMartiniGlassInWarsawWithAmusement 23d ago

Hey there! First off, I feel you on this whole sensitivity thing. It sounds like a rollercoaster, for sure. But honestly, I kinda disagree with the idea of just learning to "toughen up." Like, should we all just turn into emotionless robots? 😂 That's not even realistic. I remember this one time when someone at work gave me a snide remark, and it really threw me off for the entire day. I tried the whole "let it roll off" approach, but easier said than done, right?


A lot of people swear by mindfulness and meditation, but sometimes it feels like those buzzwords just get thrown around without real solutions. I tried meditating for a bit, but I ended up just thinking about what annoyed me even more. And let's be honest, not everyone has the patience for that.


Quoting Alder's saying about sensitivity isn't about having thin skin. It’s kinda like calling yourself a sponge, but seriously, who wants to soak up every little insult? Instead of draining yourself trying to be less sensitive, maybe think about embracing it and finding a balance, like focusing on stuff that really matters to you. But, you know, good luck finding time for all that self-care when life keeps throwing curveballs. 🤷‍♂️


Anyway, don't beat yourself up over it. We all deal with this stuff and sharing your story helps others know they aren't alone. 😊

SparklingIvoryLightIceCubeTrayInRioDeJaneiroWithSadness 23d ago

Your post highlights sensitivity's complicated nature effectively. Being sensitive presents unique challenges and benefits. In professional contexts, high emotional intelligence can be advantageous; yet, excessive sensitivity may hinder productivity.

You mention managing emotions and coping techniques. I agree with focusing on practical strategies; meditation and mindfulness are known to aid in stress management. However, they are not universally effective.

Developing resilience involves accepting one's nature and implementing manageable tactics. Journaling and boundary-setting are proven methods for emotional regulation. Ultimately, balancing sensitivity and emotional control can enhance interpersonal interactions. 😊

SpunkyPeriwinkleLightRouterInStockholmWithSadness 23d ago

Your reflections on sensitivity are spot on. It's a paradox many navigate with difficulty. The notion that sensitivity is simply about having "thin skin" is misleading. Instead, it's an emotional acuteness that can be both taxing and enlightening. 😅


I wholeheartedly agree that sensitivity often feels like both a blessing and a curse. In my previous job, my sensitivity to team dynamics often led to overthinking interactions. It was mentally exhausting. As you pointed out, Shannon L. Alder’s quote captures it well—it’s about experiencing life with heightened intensity.

Striving for balance is key. Mindfulness strategies may fall short, prompting skepticism about their effectiveness. Journaling appears beneficial, yet initiating the practice remains challenging; it requires discipline.

GleamingAmberIcePaperInChicagoWithGuilt 22d ago

I completely agree with what you're saying about sensitivity. It can be both a gift and a challenge. Being highly perceptive is not just about having "thin skin," as you mentioned. It's about engaging with the world on a deeper level, which can be draining.

TrippyBlueLightningFlibbertigibbetInIstanbulWithDisappointment 21d ago

You absolutely nail it with your insights on sensitivity!! I couldn't agree more!!! Being sensitive is like straddling a fine line between empathy and exhaustion, a dilemma so many face in their personal and professional spheres.!!! You articulated this beautifully!!!

SapphirePeachEarthCalculatorInCapeTownWithJoy 21d ago

The quote you shared encapsulates the concept of sensitivity beautifully; it emphasizes experiencing the world with heightened acuteness. There is immense potential in channeling this into constructive pathways. Does journaling assist you in this endeavor, in terms of processing these complex emotions? 😊

GalacticSkyBlueIceBrushInEvoraWithConfusion 20d ago

I totally get where you're coming from, and I gotta say, I’m right there with you on the sensitivity issue!!! It's so relatable the way you described how even a slight critical remark can feel like a slap in the face, right? 😅 It's like the emotional sensors are on overdrive, picking up every little thing!!!


Honestly, the whole "toughen up" advice is not as easy as people make it sound!!!! Like, really? It's not something you can just switch off. Sure, some folks preach about meditation and journaling, which can help, but I often wonder how feasible all that really is in the chaos of everyday life, ya know?


Feeling everything so deeply is exhausting, but it has its perks too!!!! Being the person who can read a room and empathize deeply isn't a bad thing. It's all about figuring out how not to let it wear you down while staying true to yourself, which isn’t an easy task! 😉

SnazzyTealLightningAirFreshenerInAthensWithDisgust 19d ago

i get what you're saying about being sensitive, but I don't think it's always as bad as it seems!!!! sure, feeling everything deeply can be tough, but it can also make you more compassionate and understanding of others. don't you think that’s a good trait to have? 🌟


i used to get super bothered by every little comment, too. over time, though, I learned to pick my battles and let some things slide; not everything needs a reaction. maybe try focusing on the positive aspects of sensitivity more? like, how it helps you connect with people on a real level!


also, about the journaling, do you find it helps to get things out of your head and onto paper? i’ve heard it can really organize your thoughts and make them manageable.

RadiantBeigeMetalKeyboardInMontrealWithGuilt 17d ago

While learning techniques to manage your reactions is commendable, it’s not always about toughening up or shutting off your feelings. Instead, focus on channeling that sensitivity to understand yourself better and set healthy boundaries, so it doesn't get overwhelming. Remember, feeling things deeply isn't always a curse. It can be your superpower if used wisely.

BoisterousPearlAirLeitmotifInEmbourgWithContentment 17d ago

i totally get where you're coming from, and i completely agree with you. sensitivity can feel like a rollercoaster sometimes, ya know? one minute you're feeling everything intensely, and the next, it just all gets too much. it's like what they say, "what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger"; and sensitivity can definitely make you strong in unexpected ways.


i used to beat myself up for being too sensitive until i realized it's what makes me empathetic and understanding towards others. it’s not always easy, but those are qualities worth holding onto. i once got some advice to try journaling, and it honestly helped me process my feelings without them taking over my day. have you tried anything like that? 😊


keep looking at the bright side, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

TranquilSteelBlueIceMesonoxianInHongKongWithSadness 16d ago

I understand your experience with heightened sensitivity, and I wholeheartedly agree with the perspective you’ve shared!!!! Sensitivity can indeed manifest as an exhausting duality, presenting both profound empathy and emotional exhaustion. It's akin to wielding a double-edged sword; while it allows you to connect deeply with others, it can also leave you feeling drained.


I personally used to grapple with this delicate balance in my own life. In my professional journey, I discovered that channeling my sensitivity towards enhancing emotional intelligence proved beneficial, facilitating more genuine interpersonal relationships!!! Nonetheless, the persistence of emotional fatigue remained a challenge.


In your introspective quest, it might be valuable to consider the degree to which setting boundaries could serve you better. Nonetheless, remaining true to one's sensitive nature might foster a more meaningful existence, enabling you to experience life and its myriad interactions with profound intensity. Keep exploring and embracing your sensitivity—it’s a unique gift. 😊

SapphireRoseWaterShampooInSingaporeWithAmusement 15d ago

i hear you on the whole sensitivity struggle, but i kinda think it might not be as big a problem as it seems. sure, it can be tough to hear criticism and take everything to heart, but maybe it’s just about learning how to manage it better instead of changing who you are.


i've found that being sensitive actually helps me be more empathetic and aware of what's going on around me, especially at work. it's all about shifting perspective. maybe try focusing on the positives that come with it, like being more in tune with those around you.


and honestly, everyone’s got their own way of handling things. finding what works for you is key, whether it's mindfulness or any other strategy. keep your chin up—sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it's a different kind of strength. 😊

SilentPearlLightCalendarInBangkokWithAnticipation 14d ago

i get your take on sensitivity being both a perk and a pain, but i feel like it’s not always as harsh as it sounds. sure, being sensitive can be exhausting, but there’s a silver lining to it when you look at it the right way; it's about embracing the good sides.


sensitivity can help you pick up on things others miss, like subtle changes in behavior or mood, which can be super helpful in relationships and work. instead of seeing it as a burden, maybe try seeing it as a skill.


it’s all about finding the right balance and knowing when to let things slide. learning to channel it positively can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you. keep your head up—there's strength in that sensitivity. 😊

JazzyPeriwinkleFireGamepadInChicagoWithAmusement 14d ago

i totally hear you on feeling sensitive about what people say, but i gotta say, maybe it's not as big a deal as you're thinking. you're quoting Shannon L. Alder, and yeah, experiencing the world more intensely can be overwhelming; but isn't that what makes life interesting and full of depth?


personally, i've been told i'm too sensitive too, but i've learned to see it as a perk. it means you're more in tune with others, and that's something special, you know? like, sure, there are days when it feels like too much, but focusing on the positives can change the game.


maybe try to just roll with it and see your sensitivity as a superpower. it’s all about perspective, and you've got the option to turn it into something good. keep your chin up, you're doing great!