Highly Sensitive People
If you are very responsive to both the positive and the negative aspects of life, usually both physically and emotionally, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP. Dr. Elaine Aron has done fascinating work in the area of HSP's. The link below is to her website: http://www.hsperson.com/​
According to her self-test, if 14 or more of these traits apply to you, you may be an HSP:
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I am easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input.
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I seem to be aware of subtleties in my environment.
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Other people's moods affect me.
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I tend to be very sensitive to pain.
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I find myself needing to withdraw during busy days, into bed or into a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation.
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I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
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I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens close by.
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I have a rich, complex inner life.
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I am made uncomfortable by loud noises.
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I am deeply moved by the arts or music.
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My nervous system sometimes feels so frazzled that I just have to go off by myself.
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I am conscientious.
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I startle easily.
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I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time.
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When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating).
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I am annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once.
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I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things.
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I make a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows.
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I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me.
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Being very hungry creates a strong reaction in me, disrupting my concentration or mood.
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Changes in my life shake me up.
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I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art.
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I find it unpleasant to have a lot going on at once.
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I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations.
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I am bothered by intense stimuli, like loud noises or chaotic scenes.
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When I must compete or be observed while performing a task, I become so nervous or shaky that I do much worse than I would otherwise.
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When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive or shy.
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