I might get my butt handed to me for this article, but I feel strongly about it so I’m throwing caution to the wind.
I’m doing it because I’ve found that compelling writing, whether novels, films or Substack articles, often comes from challenging commonly held beliefs. One of those beliefs is the commonly held perception that being sensitive is healthy.
What I mean by sensitive
It’s important to specify at the outset what I mean by sensitive. In a broader sense that would include sensitivity to light, to the sun on our skin, to loud sounds, to rich, spicy foods, etc. This article isn’t about any of those.
What it’s about is what most of us think of when we hear the phrase, “a sensitive person,” somebody who is easily upset by the actions and comments of others.
The positive take on sensitivity is usually expressed as, yes, it can be painful to suffer the slings and arrows of life, but better that than to be a rock that feels no pain and an island that never cries (thank you, Paul Simon).
Shutting down
I agree with that sentiment. The worst way to go through life is shuttered in a prison of our own making, avoiding feeling anything at all. This is most commonly found among many in my gender who are described as “shut down.”
So, what about the sensitive life? Many say they like their sensitivity. That the feelings coursing through them on a regular basis constitute a large part of their identity.
“I’m someone who feels a lot. And I’m okay with that. In fact, I love that part of myself. It makes me feel alive and vital.”
Let’s take a closer look at that. First, here are a few examples of sensitivity in action: