Why can't I ever be happy with the way things are? Why do little things bother me? Why do I complain so much?

Why can't I be normal?

These feelings make me angry at myself. Why can’t I just suck it up and deal with small annoyances? Why can’t I just relax and have fun? Why are things so hard for me and easy for everyone else?

This is the episode I warned you about last week--the really negative one where I say the word "hate" like 100 times.

In this Episode 11 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast, I talk about the dark feelings I sometimes have about being highly sensitive and introverted. And of course, I talk about some positive stuff, too.

If you are turned off by negativity, skip this one. But if you sometimes beat yourself up over the way you are, maybe this will give you some comfort to know you aren't alone.  

I got a dog about 6 months ago--it's the first time I've ever cared for an animal in my life. It's been a fulfilling and fun experience.

In Episode 10 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast, I talk about how HSPs can have deep connections to animals due to our empathy and ability to pick up on non-verbal signals.

Resources mentioned in the podcast: This post by Dr. Elaine Aron about what HSPs can get from animals.

Related Posts on HighlySensitivePerson.net:

• Could I handle having a dog?
• Follow-Up: My First Experience Taking Care of a Dog
• Anger is an emotion, too (about getting angry at my dog)

I am highly sensitive to violence and horror. I learned early in life that I don't want anything to do with scary movies. Friends would sometimes tease me and try to convince me to watch, thinking it was not a big deal. But having disturbing scenes burned into my brain for life is a big deal!

In Episode 9 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast, I talk about how certain movies or TV shows make me anxious, scared, and uncomfortable--so much that I can't sleep at night, including the one movie I will never, ever watch again.

Related Posts on HighlySensitivePerson.net:

• I Never Watch Horror Movies
• Incontinuities and Illogicalities Ruin Movies & TV
• Sensitive to Physical Violence: Boxing’s Not For Me

I am jumpy. I've been scared by my own shadow (no joke). Just last night, I was using my iPhone as a flashlight in the dark, when it illuminated a mirror, and my reflection scared me. Also not joking.

In Episode 8 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast, I talk about how some sounds affect me greatly--specifically, loud, sudden, and incessant noises.

From buses to babies to birds (that alliteration was so lucky), I explain what sets me off and why I think it affects HSPs more than others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Misophonia (sound sensitivity) support
• Another Misophona support site

Related Posts on HighlySensitivePerson.net:

• Sudden Noises Really Make Me Jump
• The right to silence trumps the right to noise
• I love listening to white noise
• Do Some Sounds Fill You With Rage? Maybe It’s Misophonia
• Karaoke Bar Neighbors? Ruh-roh.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Now that you've learned about high sensitivity, you may feel like a weight has been lifted off you. You feel more accepting of yourself and realize you aren't alone. You aren't weird!

But how do you share this information with the most important person in your life? It can be hard to explain a concept like high sensitivity, especially to people who are skeptical (like my husband!)

In this Episode 7 of the HSP Podcast, I have an imaginary conversation with a partner, wife, husband, boyfriend, or girlfriend to try to explain HSP in an easily-digestible way.

If you like the podcast, please leave a rating and review in iTunes. It would very appreciated.

Related Posts on HighlySensitivePerson.net:

• A conversation with your non-HSP partner
• Should you tell people that you are an HSP?
• Interview: “My Partner is a Highly Sensitive Person”
• How do you explain to your partner that simply being around people takes energy?
• How to Explain Being an HSP to Your Partner
• Starter Kit for People in a Relationship with an HSP

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Have you ever thought about quitting your job because you were overwhelmed? Throwing in the towel because you had too much to do, and couldn't get it all done?

Did you ever consider...caring less?

That's quite a radical concept for us HSPs. It goes against everything we feel. We're generally loyal, hard workers who care deeply about what we do. But our conscientiousness can bleed over into perfectionism, and when we can't meet our impossible standards, we'd sometimes rather quit than underperform.

In episode 6 of the HSP Podcast, I talk about how caring less can make your job more bearable and won't hurt you as much as you might think.

If you like the podcast, please leave a rating and review in iTunes or Stitcher! It would very appreciated.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Highly Sensitive Person book by Dr. Elaine Aron

Related Posts on HighlySensitivePerson.net:

• Having Plans Weighs on Me All Day
• Deadlines, Schedules, and Commitment Stress Me Out

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0