Tuesday, July 13, 2010

10 Questions to see if you are HIGHLY SENSITIVE

Have you ever been told: "You're TOO SENSITIVE!!!", "Why are you so sensitive!"? 
If you've ever been in an abusive relationship, (with a boyfriend/girlfriend, family member or friend), you've probably heard something like that.  After they dish you out a truckload of unkind words, and insensitive comments, they like too blame you even more for their lack of kindness, and selfishly find a way to make it your fault...."You're just too sensitive"!
I used this picture of my "Edward Scissorhands look", because Edward was "highly sensitive", and that was his beauty, that's why you fell in love with his character.


Well HOORAY! I'm what some Self-Help books and websites would label, A Highly Sensitive Person!

THE-ARE-YOU-A-HIGHLY-SENSITIVE-PERSON-TEST:
(taken from a list of "HPS" traits from www.highlysensitivepeople.com, I'm serious, that's a real website!)
1. Are are very creative?
2. Do you have a deep, rich, inner life, are very spiritual, and may also have vivid dreams.
3. Do you get a sense of comfort and well being when around a lake, river, stream, the ocean, or even a fountain?

4. Are  you very intuitive, can you usually tell if something is bothering someone?
5. Were you considered quiet, introverted, timid, or shy as a child?

6. Do you get concerned and think or worry about many things, and have also been told "you take things too personally."

7. Are you affected by other people's moods, emotions and problems?

8. Are you very conscientious, hard working, and meticulous, but may become uncomfortable and less efficient or productive when being watched or scrutinized?

9. Do you feel compelled to file and organize things and thoughts, also enjoy simplicity and may become overwhelmed or even immobilized by chaos, clutter, or stress?

HOW'D YOU SCORE?
If you answered yes to one of these, YOU ARE HIGHLY SENSITIVE! Just kidding! But honestly as I read through those, I was thinking, "Yes! Yeah. Who doesn't feel peaceful around a lake or the ocean, or watching the sunset? Ok, yes I was pretty shy. Oh yes I get effected by other people's emotions." Ok, ok,  I'll join the 15-20% of society that is HIGHLY SENSITIVE!

BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND BUY A SELF HELP BOOK OR BUY THE SHIRTS I'LL BE PRINTING, "I'M OK, YOU'RE OK, I'M JUST HIGHLY SENSITIVE, DEAL WITH IT!", OH BUT WAIT, I'D NEVER SAY THAT!
it makes you want to ask...

"what the heck is so bad about being sensitive?" "who said sensitivity is a bad thing anyway?" 
....your football coach, your abusive ex, the hard-hearted person that is too selfish to think about others' feelings, maybe even your parent or a "well intentioned" friend?

Society likes to put a label on everything. What better way than to make the precious hearts of the world, feel even more upset over something, to ruin that invaluable ability they have of being aware of others feelings, than to give them some "social term" like, HIGHLY SENSITIVE, like it's a problem or a bad thing?

WHY I LOVE SENSITIVE PEOPLE:

They are the heart of the world, the ones with compassion, that feel others pain, that celebrate others happiness, the ones that not just look up at the stars, but see the beauty of the twinkling glitter int eh night sky. 
They are the ones that make sure you feel loved, and make you feel loved on your birthday, with a card or flowers. They are the ones that not just see a sunset, but see and feel the beauty of that glowing orb, grandly sinking to wake up another part of the world with it's warm glow. They are the ones that feel the ache of a broken heart or joy of a new love, and turn it into a song, with words to the paint feelings in your heart.

The sensitive people are the true wonders of the world. They are the hearts and hope and artists in the world...the dancers, singers, painters, musicians...the ones who notice beauty, where others just walk on by.
The sensitive people are the ones that notice the cotton candy color or the sky in the afternoon, they stop and smell the sweet perfume of flowers, they enjoy the sound of laughter and hear beauty in it, they take their shoes off at the beach to feel the sand. Music and art, and beauty (not the beauty that Hollywood promotes, but the beauty in the small things) are in important part of their life.
I am thankful I am so sensitive. All the great artists and people in the world, the ones that made a difference were sensitive, Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, and many countless people who loved, felt, and felt others' emotions, and by doing so, changed the world.

We are not just "highly sensitive", we are the heart and change in the world, we are "highly awesome"!
Go out today with your senses...and feel and see the beauty all around, and rejoice that you are sensitive....just like me!

huge love and lots of sensitivity, kandee







 

81 comments:

Unknown said...

i answered yes to all...

Jenn @ Cuddles and Cameras said...

I too, answered "yes" to all..lol Thanks for posting this Kandee! <3

Amy said...

Omg I loved this!

I answered yes to all and I've always felt being highly sensitive was a bad thing and wanted to change that.

I see now that it's okay to be sensitive.

THANK YOU! <3

heather said...

I answered yes to every one of them and I am thankful that I did. There was a time in my life, not too long ago, where I had become de-sensitized. I had no heart, I was cold. But, from the time I was a young child, I was told I was 'too sensitive'. Now, I believe I am back to being 'too sensitive' and I love it. I embrace it. It's me and who I am and whomever doesn't get it doesn't deserve my sensitivity. Kandee, you're awesome, you always touch me with your blogs, videos, pictures, etc. Every single time! HUGE love to you, my dear :)

Kate said...

I get told it a lot, but hey, sensitive people rock! Who likes someone who is INsensitive?!
Kat x Click&Make-Up

Michelle Villafuerte said...

Yup! Highly sensitive! And I thought that was a "bad" thing!! Thanks Kandee!

Bellissima said...

I am told that by my parents, especially...all the time....

ivette said...

Kandee i answered yes 3 times :) kandee you are my number 1 person in the whole entire worldthat lights my day up brighter and even the midnight moon lately things have good i hope that the ppl in my life stay in it beause when certain ppl come into your lives then leave it for their satisfaction i nver understand that but thats ok because i wish them the best and beauty being "highly sensitive" i think it should be more like beautiful warm souls :) Kandee keep being my sweet satisfaction love you kandee:)

Rosario said...

wow Kandee. that was really beautiful.

Margara said...

I love this! Thanks Kandee <3
Xoxo
Margara

Melissa said...

I've always been highly sensitive!! People tried to make me feel bad about it all the time, but my mom always told me that it made me a better person! She says that people like us were born to help others who suffer. To help them get over the pain and sorrow. So let's help others see the beauty that we see and maybe make a better world!!

Thank you Kandee for writing this blog, lots of love and hugs Mel xox

Anonymous said...

yay i answered 'Yes' to all questions. I have been sensitive for all my life. But I do also think that being sensitive is a good thing, because this means that you have got a rich inner beauty !! And do not care what other say ;-)

Anonymous said...

I've been diagnosed by a counselor as a highly sensitive personality type, but it's not always a good thing. Other people can bring me down really easily, and working jobs like retail, where people are nasty, can be tough. And one odd thing (that he said had to do with it) is that I'm super sensitive to caffeine. It's been a struggle for me, because I live with someone who's extremely angry, depressed, and negative all the time, and it's so hard not to let it rub off on me. As soon as she comes in the room I start feeling the "bad vibes".

I don't think those questions are an accurate way of finding out if you are, to be honest. They're pretty generic and questions that many people would say yes to. Being a HSPT is pretty rare, so if you said yes to those questions, you're probably just sensitive like a normal person/girl haha.

estroJen said...

LOVE the edward scissorhands look!!!! awesome :):):)

stay blessed,

estroJEN

Unknown said...

Amen Sister! :)

Enid Egg said...

"HOW'D YOU SCORE?
If you answered yes to one of these, YOU ARE HIGHLY SENSITIVE! Just kidding!"

Ha ha ha ha. That's hilarious!

Thanks for making me laugh today!

rainydayreader said...

lol I guess it's pretty telling that I was tearing up while reading this. I have always been sensitive. Even when I was young my mom called me "intuitive". I was always tuning in to other people's feelings and am empathetic to what others are going through. My husband has called me "too emotional" many times, and this reaffirms that it is OKAY to be emotional or sensitive or whatever you want to call it. You alway give me hope, and reaffirm what I know to be true just when I need it most! I love you Kandee! If I didn't know better I would say you were my guardian angel sent to guard against my heart when others threaten to break it. Thank you for everything!
Love,
Erin

İngilizce Gramer Kılavuzu said...

This is such a world that being sensitive means "being odd" to most of the people. I am very glad that there is still sensitive ones all around the world(:

Unknown said...

my whole life my mothers been critical of how sensitive i am and it confuses me because shes as sensitive if not more than i am. she once told me she hated how i acted too much like her. but even though that hurt i took it with stride because i didn't mind the bad things as long as i had the good things, like her love for cooking! i always make the best food because she taught me to cook with nothing but love. so now i want to read your blog to my mother so she won't feel so bitter about her sensitivity and i thank you for finding the words that i couldn't find in getting her to understand that its okay to be yourself and no one else can judge you for that. i personally love everything you stand for kandee and i thank god i found your videos! thank you so much for being you <3

Unknown said...

I answered yes to all of the above. Thank's Kandee you are an awesome person!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

omg, did the hugaholic (me) forget to say (((((Hugs)))))? Never... shhhhh don't tell anyone I forgot. lol


(((((hugs)))))

Sapnuose said...

I wish being sensitive were easier... It really hurts when people (especially the closest ones) keep telling me that I should change. But I could never understand what's so wrong about being sensitive...

So, thank you, Kandee, for being here and encouraging us to never give up. You are amazing!

Laura said...

Hi kandee!
Thanks so much for those amazing words. You always made my day!.Someone just told me that I am way to sensitive in a bad way of course, but you know what? that person doesn't even worth beeing sad for.
So thank you I AM SO PROUD OF BEING HIGHLY SENSITIVE! JUST LIKE YOU :D
I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS BUT YOU ARE DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WORLD! XD THANKS KANDEE!

My Hoppy Prace said...

What if you answered 'yes' to * ALL * the questions?!

Am I headed for a breakdown? O.o

:oP

David said...

I answered yes to just about all of them myself :).

I am a Cancer sign by birth and I know that Cancers are the emotional time bombs of world.

Meg said...

Hey Kandee, I loved this post, I really think you should research the indigo children, I believe you're one of them!

Unknown said...

I'm a VERY sensative person! Some people say I have too big of a heart and that's a bad thing. REALLY?? How in the world is that a bad thing?? My 8 year old daughter inherited her "big heart trait" from me. Here's an example of why people call me so sensitive..lol Just this past Spring, my daughter had her first communion. I was THE only mother crying of joy and pride for her child as she read her speech, in her lovely white dress with a halo of flowers on her head :) Sure, sometimes it's embarrasing to be sensitive, but I'd much rather be a caring sensitive person than a heartless "i don't care" type person...am I right??
So to all of us HSP, a nice round of applause as we keep the world friendly, and maybe a little rose colored glasses type feel to it for others :)

Anonymous said...

Highly-sensitive people can also be the HAPPIEST people, and you are a prefect example!

I's rather be highly-sensitive than highly-insensitive any day.

~Angie
http://angiegoboom.com

Unknown said...

Ahh, thank you so much for such a great post.

Cosmefash said...

Yes to everything and that makeup work is BEAUTIFUL in a scary way

cArLa said...

yes very highly sensitive... but i just couldn't help but love your make up. i heart edward scissorhands!

artexana said...

yes to all...but highly sensitive people are also very strong people =D

Anonymous said...

Hi Kandee <3
You are SO AMAZING!!! I just turned 30 this year and along with learning so many new things about myself, I've also been trying to love ME a lot more too :) Your videos have helped to spark my creativity that's been lost for awhile...
I especially love your T shirt-cutting videos. I've made 2 super cute shirts already and got lots of complements... my friends are hooked on you too ;)
And after I saw that you posted an article about HSPs, I just felt like I had to share some luv with you- It's so INSPIRING to see a wonderful, successful, and SENSITIVE person like you share your heart with others... We should all be sharing more of our gifts and talents with each other.
<3 <3 <3 <3 Lots of Love to a fellow HSP <3 <3 <3 <3

xoxoxo
Cherri
PS:: Loved your blog about Dealin w/ Haters =D

Rachel said...

Thankyou Kandee! I needed this. :)
Much love!
Rachel

Brianne Packer said...

I am totally like this! :) I <3 sensitive people too.

Brianne Packer said...

I am totally like this! :) I <3 sensitive people too.

Unknown said...

This post meant allot to me. I have always been very sensitive. And hearing you say all the positive stuff about being sensitive made me proud I was one. Thank you Kandee.

Samira said...

I didn't answer to all and there's a reason for that. I used to very sensitive as a kid and also a crybaby which brought more stress into my mom's life as whenever something would happen, I would never confront the situation and just cry for mommy. Still today, I like to be a tough girl (even though that does not work so well LOL). Anyway, the bold part truly touched me. I can't believe you wrote that! I mean...it is SO descriptive and BEAUTIFUL! Not that you wouldn't be able to write that (hahahahaha) but my first thought was "How the heck can she outawesome herself?! XO"
You're a wonderful being, Kandee and you more than deserve all the love and prayers you get. I Love You!

NOVA said...

HAHAH, YES!! Thanks for more beautiful truth! Keep it up, girl. Bless you.

Unknown said...

i can't count how many times ppl have said i'm too sensitive, but over the years i've learned to love that im sensitive! It makes me a better friend, daughter, sister, girlfriend, aunt etc.....i wouldn't change it for a second. BUT i have learned to let it go as a negative thing, and i don't let what others think of my personality effect me. I'm glad you touched on this kandee....I can always count on a little kandee wisdom to start my day haha...much love!! xxoo

Liv-e said...

I am a highly sensitive person :) I hate it coz I'm always letting things get to me....I wish I wouldn't but people can say and do some nasty things!! I just had to delete my facebook account coz all my high school friend don't even want to know me!! :( I have NO IDEA what i've done but it's really getting to me!!! :( I hate when people make you feel like you don't exist or a loser and i'm not keeping facebook around for people to make me feel like that! I hated high school anyway!!! Thanks for being a really nice and caring person!!! I REALLY WISH I had friends like you!!! Lots of love Xxxx

S said...

Checkcheckcheckcheck all the way down the list! I've always been given guff for being "too sensitive" my whole life starting with my family. I'm too emotional, take everything too seriously, think too much,etc.. Told to toughen up alot and to "get over it". Well I don't want to toughen up and get over it! The world seems to have less and less patience for people like me,overly sensitive people, and it's very unfortunate! Sensitive people balance out the unsensitive people. Unsensitive people seem to forget that.

Thanks for the post Kandee! Nice to know I'm not alone! : )

S said...

Also wanted to say I used to hardly cry as a kid which then led to never crying. Crying was a sign of weakness and my heart was so hurt and hard that I just got to the point that I could not cry when hurt. When I was 21 out of my pain and hurt I turned back to the Lord and asked Him to help me. He did. There's a scripture that talks about God giving a heart of flesh for your heart of stone. He did this in me. Ever since then I cry at the drop of a hat. Watching my puppies sleep makes me cry since they look so peaceful. Sappy movies make me cry. Dumb commercials make me cry. Looking at and watching my niece makes me cry since I love her so much.

Obviously God likes sensitive hearts since they become receptive to Him and His love. And then one can take that love and share it with others. Much like yerself Miss Kandee! : )

nai nai said...

it's actually called being highly empathetic.

Interesting fact: studies show that highly empathetic people are more susceptible to "catch" yawns, which is why it is more "contagious" to some than others! =)

Victoria said...

i answered yes for most except one.. the river/ocean water thing, lawlz.

Jenny {Heavenly Blossoms} said...

amen sista!!!

emalyce said...

At my church, we took several assessments to see what are God-given gifts are, and compassion and serving are my two high gifts. I find that it coincides with 'sensitivity' and empathy because compassion is really about feeling the emotions of others and truly understanding them, not just knowing or feeling sympathy for it. I think you must have that gifting. The assessments are compiled in a book and seminar called "Discover Your God-Given Gifts." Our church actually got to have them guest-speak for two services and I learned so much! They are called motivational gifts and this helps you to learn about your strengths and weaknesses. here's their website if you're interested: http://www.heart2heart.org/. =)

Unknown said...

I think some of the Qs are questions that most ppl would answer yes too. like the question about being comforted by water, most people find that comforting. People love the water.

Unknown said...

I answered yes to 9, cause I absolutely hate junk and clutter! thats one thing I know I haate! lol

SidnacGlitz said...

I answered yes to few questions and I suppose the world would label me as highly sensitive (I don't like labels..lol). What about people who are easily offeneded or people who are controling and expect you to be a in a good mood, and always happy. It's like they are sucking the energy from you? Are those highly sensitive too? I like this blog, but I have a question mark over my head. I need to think about all of this....I know this is a ramble...sorry.

Much Love

Melissa Dale said...

Kandee! I've always been told I was "too sensitive" as well. And I have never understood why being sensitive is a bad thing...if anything it is a trait of a compassionate, creative, caring person...it should be viewed as a positive :)

Tracy said...

Love it! So true! Im a sensitive person and i use to wish i wasn't one because i get easily hurt! But now im ok with it! :)

Anonymous said...

I said yes to EVERY SINGLE ONE! WOWZA!

Super sensitive!!!

xoxo
Sarah

cOoKiElUvR said...

We'll I'm unsure, if my kids are around the ocean I freak out, if the fountain isn't kleen I won't look. Rivers are cool but the bugs creep me out. ;-) I was a. Quiet kid but only fearing I'd get hit ( long story ):-) I care others are well. I can't handle bad vibes. I Can't be watched when I'm focused on whatever I'm doing. I hate clutter, laundry makes me: -( I was voted kindest in elementary n years later. I Don't wanna b so sensitive but ill admit I cry Watching something on TV

-gatherina- said...

It seems that we are a huge Team of Very Sensitive People! :-) It is great to know that there is so many similar people with good hearts! I dont have very good self-esteem, but I am working on it... and what Kandee wrote, helps a lot.

okruch said...

Dear and sweet Kandee,
I can't imagine not being sensitive. I wouldn't be me then! I even went to therapist with my "condition", but I realized that my sensitivity is my virtue, and I am glad that I am sensitive, and I thank God for that! My (over)sensitivity defines me, this is 100%, true me and it helps me to help others. Love.

Sheryl said...

Okay, Kandee, I cried. Typical for a sensitive person! Perhaps those who don't understand ridicule us because our sensitivity is such a contrast to their coldness. Our sensitivity's also the warmth they wish for on a cold night...they're just too proud to admit it, but a life without warmth isn't a life at all! Love and warmth to you :)

niea999 said...

As I was guessing, I answered YES to all the questions O.o and I was a little afraid of the result. because it looks like.. TOO MUCH !
and I guess it is.. for the actual world we are living in..
thank you for your words, Kandee, kind words as always.
that makes me wanna cry.. but not in a bad way, just because it makes you fell warmer inside to feel not so alone in that hightly sensitive case !

Katie said...

Thanks Kandee! I answered yes to all of them and I sometimes get made fun of for letting things get to me, but your blog made me realize that though others may criticize that quality, it is a truly beautiful thing.

Unknown said...

Add me to the list. I cry over everything, happy or sad. But you know, if you are going to feel I think it is best to feel deeply. Swim in those emotions and really experience life, you know?

Anonymous said...

i answer yes to all! thank you kandee you are a beutiful person and i wish you all the best!
puss och kram (kisses and hugs) from sweden
mika

Anonymous said...

well said Kandee....

Lalitha said...

kandee i love you so muchhh!!!

keep up your great work

love,
lalitha

x said...

Aww! nice make-up:)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! I was going down the list of questions and I got more and more in awe as I answered yes to every one. Thank you Kandee for sharing this with us. Is it really only 15-20% of the population? I guess now I understand why I was commonly the only one to stop and appreciate things while others just charged on. Again, thank you kandee for making me feel understood and special.

Unknown said...

Kandee is always a great blogger!!!

I need someone to check out my blog and give me some suggestions! It's not just about make-up and i just started it!! :)
www.librabeauty87.blogspot.com

tinatighani said...

I answered yes to all too....thank god i'm not alone :)

Lorin Kelly said...

I definitely answered YES to all those questions. Your blog is always entertaining!!

xo
Lo

www.lorinkellyspotlights.blogspot.com

caitedidd said...

I'm most definently a sensative person xD

caitedidd said...

Wow sorry for the typo... It's late and I'm out of it.. Luv ya kandee!!

Cat said...

lol I answered also yes to all.... I think it is positive but also negative when all this sensitivity is not well focused. Things that should be taken easy can be sometimes too hard to endure. Anyway, your post is optimistic, if only we want to act and use this sensitivity :) Thank you

dorisa.L.V said...

im so glad u sed that! it's nice to know theres others out there like me! almost every job ive had takes advantage of my personality by being over dominearing to me, almost getting a high from being stronger than i am (in their own eyes anyway)i refuse to change i like my personality so i quit those jobs and am on the road to being a makeup artist self employed like u! its rewarding and i can be myself!thank u kandee for being a fantastik inspiration to me!

Crimson Vixsyn MUA said...

I answered yes to all the questions... so I know I'm a highly sensitive person.... hello??? Remember me at the GLAMINAR???? I was ballin'. LOL Here's to us... the Highly Sensitives....

Nichelle said...

Thanks for sharing Kandee. This helped me! I've been sensitive to others my whole life, and I sometimes beat myself up over it. But this was a good reminder that it IS NOT a bad thing. I remember when I was in grade two and this boy was being teased. I went home and bawled my eyes out because I felt so bad and didn't quite know what to do for him. If anyone dare tell me that that is a bad thing, they better look at themselves in the mirror. Charity for others is the pure love of Christ. We must ALL have it.

Anonymous said...

Kandee,

It is because you are sharing this that there is someone out there who will understand that they don't have to hide how sensitive they are. I too deal with all the positives and negatives of being extremely sensitive.
Having been in an abusive relationship can also heighten this sensitivity. I know at work and at home, I am very highly attuned to what people's true intentions are, and it is hard to get it out of my thoughts. I used to think that I must be imagining things, but almost every time I pick up on certain emotions from people, it turns out I was on the right track. Keep opening up your heart and I will be right there with you!
~Christy

Jas said...

Hmm...Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and YES! I'm super sensitive. I just think it adds to my jazzyness:)

Julie Ling said...

OH MY GOODNESS.I always knew I was sensitive but I never knew how highly sensitive I was! I scored a yes on every single question. Wowwy.

Thanks for the post! You're amazing! :) <33

Alice C. said...

Yes to all! Amazing post, makes me feel proud of being who I am.
I'm from Brazil, and I love all your videos!

Anonymous said...

i was always told that I was very sensitive!!! and I never thought it was a good thing. Later, inmy erly twenties, I decided to be OK with it!!! I am sensitice....super sensitive!
you are right Kandee, there is nothing wrong with that!!

Peace,

Alina
http://www.mysc2vids.com/

daily scoop said...

I LOVE YOU, KANDEE! You're the best!

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