If someone frequently retreats to quiet places, they might be an HSP; if they’re overwhelmed by busy environments, they’re likely an HSP.
That’s the basic gist of identifying a Highly Sensitive Person.
But, of course, it’s not always that straightforward.
With humans being as complex as we are, it requires a bit more understanding and observance to pick up on the subtler signs of someone being an HSP.
There are some people who are naturally attuned to noticing these behaviours.
That’s probably because they display these eight particular behaviours themselves; let’s delve deeper into what makes an HSP, an HSP:
1) Overwhelmed by intense situations
Life is like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, twists and turns.
But for a Highly Sensitive Person, it’s more like a relentless hurricane of emotions.
They experience feelings on a deeper level, making every emotion feel amplified.
Take a bustling city street, for example: For most of us, it’s just another part of our routine—but for an HSP, the honking cars, the crowd of people, and the flashing lights can be overwhelming.
This is about having a heightened response to external stimuli.
They’re not necessarily cowering in fear or breaking down in tears, but they do feel an intense urge to retreat from such situations and seek solace in quieter, less chaotic environments.
If you often find yourself overwhelmed by crowded places or intense situations, you might be an HSP.
It’s not bad or good—it’s just how your mind processes the world around you.
2) Deeply moved by art and music
Here’s a little piece of my own experience: I remember the first time I went to an art gallery.
Surrounded by a myriad of colors and expressions, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me.
A sense of awe, a touch of melancholy, a spark of inspiration—it was all there, stirred up by the strokes of paint on canvas.
Music has a similar effect on me; a beautiful melody can bring tears to my eyes, and a powerful song lyric can resonate with me for days.
That’s another sign of being an HSP as they’re often deeply moved by art and music, experiencing a deep connection to the emotions conveyed through these mediums.
3) Highly conscientious
Highly Sensitive People are often very conscientious.
They pay attention to details, think before they act, and are very aware of the potential consequences of their actions.
These individuals are usually very organized and have a keen sense of responsibility.
They’re the kind who would go the extra mile, making sure they have done their best, whether it’s at work or in their personal life.
This conscientiousness is closely linked to their sensitivity; there’s a strong correlation between high levels of conscientiousness and increased neural response to making mistakes.
In simpler terms, if you’re someone who’s meticulous about getting things done just right, and feels a strong sense of responsibility, you might be an HSP.
It’s not overthinking—it’s just your brain being extra careful and responsible.
Imagine the possibilities if we all took a leaf out of their book!
4) Easily overstimulated
For most people, a lively party or a busy day at work might be tiring, but it’s all part and parcel of life.
However, for a Highly Sensitive Person, these situations can be incredibly overstimulating.
This isn’t just about being overwhelmed by physical stimuli like noise or crowds, but also emotional and social stimuli.
An intense conversation or a day packed with social interactions can leave an HSP feeling drained and in need of some quiet downtime.
This heightened sensitivity to stimulation is rooted in their nervous system.
Their brains process information and reflect on it more deeply than others, which can make them more prone to overstimulation and stress.
If you often find yourself needing to retreat and recharge after social events or busy days, you might just be an HSP.
It’s not antisocial—it’s just your way of taking care of your mental wellbeing.
5) Strong emotional responses
Now, this is something I can definitely relate to.
As an HSP, I often find myself having strong emotional responses to situations that others might find mundane.
I remember watching a movie with a friend once: It was a touching story, but nothing too dramatic.
Yet, there I was, wiping away tears while my friend sat there utterly unperturbed.
This is a common experience for HSPs as they can (or we, rather) feel emotions more deeply, both their own and those of others around them.
A simple act of kindness can warm their hearts, while an unkind word can hurt them deeply.
This doesn’t mean they’re overly sentimental or easily upset.
They simply experience emotions on a deeper level because their brains process information and emotions more intensely.
6) Perception of subtle changes
Imagine walking into a room and feeling a shift in the atmosphere, even though nothing seems to have visibly changed.
This might sound strange to some, but it’s quite common for Highly Sensitive People.
HSPs are often tuned in to the subtlest of changes in their environment.
They can pick up on tensions, shifts in mood, and even the smallest changes that others might overlook—it’s as if they have a sixth sense!
But it’s not magic or mind-reading because HSPs have a more active insula, the part of the brain that enhances our awareness to subtleties in our environment.
This heightened perception can sometimes make them feel out of sync with the world around them, but it also gives them a unique perspective.
7) Need for alone time
In a world that’s always on the go, finding a quiet moment to oneself can be a rare luxury.
But for Highly Sensitive People, it’s more of a necessity.
Whether it’s retreating to a quiet corner of a party, or spending a weekend alone with a good book, HSPs often require regular intervals of solitude to recharge and decompress from the sensory overload they experience.
This doesn’t mean they’re antisocial or introverted—although many HSPs do lean towards introversion.
It simply means that their heightened sensitivity can leave them feeling drained, and they need some alone time to restore their energy levels.
8) Empathetic and intuitive
At the heart of being a Highly Sensitive Person is a deep sense of empathy and intuition.
They are often very attuned to the emotions of others, making them great listeners and friends.
It’s as if they have a built-in radar for emotions, picking up on the feelings and needs of those around them.
They intuitively understand when someone needs a shoulder to lean on, or when they need space.
But, it’s not just about understanding others.
HSPs also have a deep understanding of themselves—they’re often self-aware, introspective, and in tune with their own emotions.
Embrace the sensitivity
If you’ve made it this far, you may have recognized a bit of yourself in these behaviors, or perhaps someone you know.
Being a Highly Sensitive Person is not a curse or a burden, but simply a different way of experiencing the world.
Remember, sensitivity is not synonymous with weakness.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite: It’s a strength that allows you to connect with the world and people around you on a deeper level—it’s what makes you empathetic, perceptive, and conscientious.
Being an HSP means you’re part of the 15-20% of the population who are hardwired to be more aware and empathetic.
It’s a gift that allows you to perceive the world in ways others can’t.
