what does it mean to be a sensitive man reddit

In that location'south zilch weak about being a highly sensitive human being, and it'south time to claiming that stigma.

If yous've ever been told yous're "too sensitive," it may exist because yous're an HSP — in other words, a highly sensitive person. And, if so, you lot're not alone: HSPs make up fifteen-20 percentage of the population. Existence an HSP doesn't mean yous take a disorder — it's a biological difference some people are born with, both men and women alike in about equal numbers.

Elaine Northward. Aron, Ph.D., author of The Highly Sensitive Person, is considered the pioneer of identifying HSPs; she began researching loftier sensitivity decades agone, in 1991. She plant that certain traits are more than common among HSPs, from being easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input to beingness more sensitive to hurting.

According to Jason Fierstein, MA, LPC, and founder of Phoenix Men's Counseling — who not just works with many HSPs, but is also 1 himself — HSP traits amongst men don't vary much from HSP traits among women. Nonetheless, the style the characteristics are perceived and accepted by others do. He says club has certain cultural beliefs and expectations of both genders, and some traits effectually sensitivity are viewed as more than stereotypically female — and are rejected more when they come from men.

"Men may be seen as 'weak' in this sense, because boys are raised to embody more masculine traits, which includes stuffing feelings and emotions and learning to 'be tough,'" he adds. But this limits men, Fierstein explains, and may stigmatize highly sensitive men into suppressing themselves when they're perceived every bit "too sensitive." So ane of the biggest challenges some men may face is coming to terms with the fact that they may be a highly sensitive person — and then embracing it for all its challenges and benefits.

"There is nothing weak about men being sensitive, and until that stigma really gets challenged, men demand to trust that their sensitivity can only help them, especially in their diverse relationships," says Fierstein.

Curious if y'all are one? Hither are some fundamental signs you're a highly sensitive male person — or know 1. Keep in mind that these traits are mutual to highly sensitive females (both kids and adults) too.

Signs You're a Highly Sensitive Man

1. You're easily overwhelmed by sensory input, anything from bright lights to sudden sounds, similar a police siren.

Many people may observe bright lights and constabulary sirens, but highly sensitive men are more than afflicted by them than non-HSP men; instead of the stimulus being in the background of their mind, it'southward in the forefront.

2. You process information more than quickly.

Highly sensitive men take in and process more data faster than their less sensitive peers, says Katy Dimple Manning, LMSW at Houston Therapy. "While some may call sensitivity a weakness, I see information technology every bit a superpower," she says.

iii. You're sensitive to other people'south moods.

Manning says that highly sensitive men are not just sensitive to other people's moods, but are also the person their friends prefer to confide in. "Your friends may describe you as agreement and empathetic," she says.

However, this tin can sometimes exist a detriment since information technology tin be emotionally exhausting for you to constantly take in others' moods and feelings.

4. Y'all're more aware of your needs.

"Highly sensitive men may recognize their highly sensitive nature as the strength it is and learn how to leverage information technology similar a useful tool," explains Manning. Every bit a effect, she says, you tend to feel more comfortable than non-HSPs in making specific requests in social club to become your needs met, whether information technology's asking for more than detailed instructions on a work project or making sure your partner knows how y'all prefer to receive affection.

5. Yous're more emotional.

The highly sensitive male may be more emotional than not-HSP males. "Yous are sensitive to other people and their remarks, and can accept your feelings easily hurt," says Fierstein. "Yous are likewise more than in tune with your feminine aspects — similar dearest, beauty, compassion, empathy, and nurturing — withal can also be bawling. This can be a positive affair in that highly sensitive men can exist in touch with sensitive situations that call for emotional responsiveness."

6. Y'all're conscientious and item-oriented.

Highly sensitive men tend to be conscientious and particular-oriented, which can prove to exist very useful at work, every bit you lot avoid making mistakes. However, you can also become frazzled if you lot have besides much to exercise at one time.

"At work, men who are HSPs may be valued for their ability to be understanding in a workforce with a growing percentage of women," says Manning. "In addition, their power to pay attending to details and ensure a workplace is non physically overstimulating are benign to whatever squad."

7. You're an ideal leader.

Related to the above, highly sensitive men'south traits — such as their perceptiveness and attention to detail — lend themselves to such men excelling in a leadership position. For example, yous're likely to be empathetic and receptive to your colleagues' thoughts and opinions, also as know how to all-time delegate tasks. "You are as well artistic and have a big and agile imagination, which tin can be beneficial, too," says Manning.

8. Y'all don't similar modify.

In general, HSPs don't like modify, as it brings about also many new stimuli. Instead, they like their current routines. If these routines are inverse, it may throw yous off and take y'all more time to adjust than it would a non-HSP.

nine. You lot don't have a high threshold for pain.

Contrary to the typical male stereotype — the guy who tin grit his teeth and musculus through anything — HSP men are more sensitive and decumbent to pain than non-HSPs, whether it'due south emotional or physical, such as criticism from someone or a headache or injury.

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x. You easily get hangry.

Since HSPs are more than sensitive to things such as pain and stimulants, like caffeine, they're also more sensitive when information technology comes to getting hangry — hungry + angry — which can quickly disrupt their mood.

11. You lot demand alone time.

Similar to introverts, overstimulation frequently makes highly sensitive men crave lonely time — anywhere they can find privacy away from external stimuli. "You demand fourth dimension to recharge," says Manning. Y'all've probably heard of the "man cave," and this concept is similar.

12. You avoid entertainment with violence, such as movies, music, or Idiot box shows.

Although in that location are plenty of exceptions, highly sensitive men tend to non like movies, music, or TV shows with strong violence, as they're also much for them, emotionally, and may cause anxiety — when the movie, vocal, or Television set prove is over, information technology lingers in the HSP'south mind. If this describes you, you may fall into the HSP category.

13. You appreciate the niggling things that awaken the senses.

Highly sensitive men may be more receptive to picayune things that awaken the senses, whether information technology's a relaxing piece of music, a painting, or the taste of whatsoever it is they're eating. While others may non remember twice near such things, highly sensitive men like yous are more than aware of them and even bask them.

Want to reduce stress and thrive every bit a highly sensitive person? We recommend these online courses from psychotherapist and sensitivity proficient Julie Bjelland.Click here to learn more.

Y'all might like:

21 Signs You're a Highly Sensitive Person
Honey Men: 'Sensitive' Doesn't Mean What You Think Information technology Means
13 Problems Only Highly Sensitive People Will Understand

This article was originally published on Highly Sensitive Refuge, our community for HSPs.

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