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 14h 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 12h 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 7h 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.