We all have our own opinions and react to things in different ways. Some people think more deeply or feel more strongly about certain things. In fact, we often encounter people who seem to react more intensely to certain emotions than to others. They are very sensitive people, and you may even be in a relationship with one of them. It turns out that oversensitivity can ruin a relationship!
In psychology terms, sensitivity describes a person’s heightened responsiveness to events, feelings or experiences outside themselves, says psychotherapist, life and business coach Dr Chandni Tugnait. It can include emotional, sensory and even physical sensitivity. A person’s sensitivity level is significantly influenced by their genetic makeup. A person may be prone to more intense emotional responses or heightened sensory experiences if they have certain genetic markers, the expert explains. A person’s environment during childhood can also influence how sensitive he or she is. Childhood events, such as trauma or a nurturing environment, can influence an individual’s emotional responses. Even the chemical composition of the brain can influence sensitivity. The way a person interprets emotions and sensory data can be influenced by variations in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
How being too sensitive can ruin a relationship
Too much sensitivity can make it difficult to maintain positive relationships. Although sensitivity is a positive trait, it can lead to misunderstandings and disputes if not controlled.
Here are ten ways being overly sensitive can damage a relationship:
1. Miscommunication
Hypersensitive people may misinterpret their partner’s words or actions due to their hypersensitivity. You may overinterpret events and make unwarranted inferences, which can lead to misunderstandings.
2. Easily offended
Highly sensitive people tend to feel offended, even when they don’t mean to. This can get in the way of open conversation and make your partner feel like he’s treading water.
3. Avoiding difficult interactions
Sensitive people often avoid emotionally taxing interactions. This can lead to unresolved conflicts. Over time, these can worsen and even damage collaboration, the expert notes.
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4. Need constant reassurance
If you are too sensitive, you may constantly seek approval and reassurance from your partner. You may both feel emotionally drained after this.
5. Emotionally overreacting
Sensitive people tend to overreact emotionally to certain events, which can lead to relationship instability. Your partner may feel the need to be very careful.
6. Jealousy
Excessive sensitivity can lead to jealousy and insecurity, making it difficult to trust your relationship. This can undermine the foundation of a strong connection.
7. Suppressing emotions
Some sensitive people hide their genuine feelings for fear of rejection or criticism. This emotional restraint can make it difficult to communicate clearly and build connections.
8. Overanalyzing all situations
Sensitivity often causes people to overanalyze events or conversations. Ultimately, this can lead to unfounded doubt and anxiety in the relationship.
9. Find it difficult to make compromises
Sensitive people may find it difficult to compromise in relationships and stick to their emotional needs in the absence of a shared perspective, says Dr. Tugnait.
10. Low self-confidence
Being too sensitive can damage your self-esteem, causing thoughts of inadequacy and unworthiness. These feelings can cause relationship stress.
How to deal with hypersensitivity?
Being sensitive isn’t bad or negative, but being overly sensitive has its downsides as it hinders both relationships and mental health. So keep your sensitivity in check, have good control over your emotions and know when to take a logical and analytical approach in life situations.
If you feel like you’re being too sensitive, you can practice self-compassion and avoid self-judgment. You can also identify the specific triggers for your sensitivity. When faced with a trigger, consciously separate the facts of the situation from your subjective interpretations, the expert says.
Do your best to reframe unhelpful thoughts in a more positive light. Set healthy boundaries for yourself and learn to manage difficult reactions through breathing, meditation, or counting to ten. To build emotional resilience, gradually expose yourself to uncomfortable situations to normalize them over time. Increasing self-confidence through building appreciation can reduce overthinking and fear of judgment. It may take some time, but don’t give up.