Prone to overthinking and always feeling tense? Do you have these 4 traits of highly sensitive people?

Do you often find yourself going home and repeatedly guessing what others are thinking based on a small reaction from them? Or do you feel very nervous about things that others can easily do, needing to prepare mentally before starting? Please don't think of yourself as strange, as you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). According to psychologist Elaine Aron, who introduced this concept, approximately 15-20% of people worldwide may be highly sensitive. What is a Highly Sensitive Person? What are the characteristics? Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) are a group of individuals who are more sensitive to external stimuli and emotions. American psychologist Dr. Elaine N. Aron began researching "Highly Sensitive Persons" in the 1990s and used MRI scans to study the brains of HSPs, discovering that they experience sounds, interactions, and emotional fluctuations more intensely than the average person. She used four English words to explain the highly sensitive population: Based on these definitions, we can understand that being highly sensitive is not a disease or developmental disorder, but rather a trait. It is not necessarily related to IQ, introversion or extroversion, emotionality or rationality, or optimism. Additionally, "whether one is a highly sensitive person" is not a black-and-white classification method, but rather a spectrum where individuals lean more towards being highly sensitive or not. However, due to prolonged observation of their surroundings, receiving stimuli, and deeply processing information, HSPs may be more easily fatigued than the average person. Highly Sensitive Person Scale: Determine if you are a Highly Sensitive Person If after reading the previous content you feel that you might fit the description but are not quite sure, Dr. Aron compiled a Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSP Scale Items) after reviewing literature and conducting qualitative interviews. It consists of 27 questions that can help you determine if you are a highly sensitive person. Since the original text is in English, we have also provided a Chinese translation. If you wish for a more accurate assessment, it is recommended to take the test on the original website! Please answer the following questions while keeping track of how many items you agree with: 1. I am easily overwhelmed by strong sensory stimuli. 2. I seem to be very sensitive to subtle changes in my environment. 3. Other people's emotions affect my emotions. 4. I tend to be very sensitive to pain. 5. During a busy day, I find that I need to retreat, hide in bed, in a dark room, or anywhere that allows me some privacy and escape from stimulation. 6. I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. 7. Bright lights, strong smells, rough textures, or nearby alarms easily make me uncomfortable. 8. I have a rich and complex inner life. 9. Loud noises make me uncomfortable. 10. Art or music deeply moves my emotions. 11. My nervous system sometimes feels so frazzled that I must withdraw. 12. I am very responsible. 13. I am easily startled. 14. When I have to do a lot in a short amount of time, I feel anxious. 15. When people feel uncomfortable in a physical environment, I tend to know what to do to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or seating arrangement). 16. I feel annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once. 17. I work hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things. 18. I try to avoid watching violent movies and TV shows. 19. I become uncomfortable when there is a lot going on around me. 20. Being very hungry triggers a strong reaction in me, disrupting my attention or mood. 21. Changes in my life make me feel uneasy. 22. I notice and enjoy delicate, intricate smells, tastes, sounds, and works of art. 23. Having many things happening at once makes me feel unhappy. 24. I arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations, considering it a high priority. 25. Strong stimuli, such as loud noises or chaotic scenes, disturb me. 26. When I have to compete or be observed while performing a task, I become so nervous or unstable that my performance is much worse than usual. 27. When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to think I was sensitive or shy. If you agree with more than 14 of the above statements, it indicates that you are very likely a highly sensitive person. However, Dr. Aron also states that even if your answers are fewer than 14, if each one is very strongly affirmative, it also suggests that you may be a highly sensitive person. Being highly sensitive is not a flaw, but an innate gift. Because of their sensitivity to the surrounding environment and often feeling unliked by others, highly sensitive people frequently face emotional lows. Those who do not understand may tell you, "Just don't think that way" or "It's not a big deal," but only you know that these perceptions are innate and cannot be changed. Therefore, what you can do is find a way to balance and coexist with yourself and use your gifts to find direction in life. Highly sensitive people, due to their innate sensitivity to details and perceptions, often exhibit observation skills, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making in their work. These traits can be advantageous in many jobs, such as: Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) typically demonstrate sensitivity to details, thoughtfulness, and high empathy in their work, which can be advantageous in certain professions. Here are some job types suitable for highly sensitive people: Regardless of the profession chosen by highly sensitive individuals, it is important to find a work environment and role that allows them to fully utilize their traits while providing sufficient support and balance to meet their emotional and emotional needs. Different individuals have different characteristics and interests, so the most suitable job may vary from person to person.