Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World

In the contemporary American culture of toughness, being “highly sensitive” is often seen as a sign of weakness. Not so, according to authors Granneman (The Secret Lives of Introverts) and Sólo (Sensitive), who consider high sensitivity a superpower that may even have evolutionary benefits. Approximately one in every three people could be described as highly sensitive, which the authors define as “the ability to perceive, process, and respond deeply to one’s environment.” Sensitivity has both emotional and physical aspects, and research has shown that highly sensitive people have five unique gifts—empathy, creativity, sensory intelligence, depth of processing, and depth of emotions—that can lead them to great achievement. But highly sensitive people can also be easily overwhelmed, and the authors provide practical guidance for avoiding (or at least minimizing) overwhelm. Individual chapters focus on specific areas of life, including relationships, parenting, and work, and inspiring quotes from members of the authors’ online community, Sensitive Refuge, are included throughout.