Have you ever thought: "If only I could quit my job, everything would be better." And you daydream about following your passions, or traveling, or going after that business idea you've always fantasized about?   But you know, deep down, that you will never quit your office job, for whatever reason. And that depresses you.   Well, hopefully today's episode will make you feel a bit better. It talks about how these types of dreams often have little grounding in reality. They are wishful...

Have you ever gotten into an argument about politics with a family member or co-worker and you got really angry and fired up? Have you ever gotten into a fight online with a complete idiot? Then, did you later find yourself turning over the events in your head, getting angry all over again? Then you felt a little sheepish about it? This episode is about just that--when we HSPs get passionate and fired up about our opinions, we sometimes forget that we have a CHOICE about whether or not to get...

You’d think as an HSP that I’d be good at knowing what to say when someone I care about, a friend or family member, had something terrible happen to them. I want SO BADLY to say something helpful, but I’m always afraid that I’ll say the wrong thing. So this honestly isn’t for HSPs only—these tips could help anyone.  Links from this episode: The Condolence Coach blog Condolence notes for the death of a pet: A Dog’s Tale Condolence notes for miscarriage or stillbirth: Soothing A Terrible...

Recently, I found myself at a big family party. Even though I liked everyone there, and was happy to be there, it did remind me how hours-long parties can wear on me, no matter how much I like the people there. Here are my tips on how to deal with overwhelm at long parties. Related content on my blog:  Handling Criticism (Episode 38) Enjoy parties for the first time ever...take 2 cars! A blog post where I grump about not doing well at a party Do you like the show? If you enjoy my podcast...

Storytime! In this episode, I talk about how I convinced my husband to participate in a contest eating increasingly spicier chicken wings. What followed was an intense HSP moment. Also, please note that the show will now be published every two weeks instead of weekly. Here's the blog post related to this episode:  Empathy & Regret at a Spicy Wing Eating Contest If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you...

“Sure, I can work late tonight." “Yeah, you can crash at my place.” “I can babysit, no problem.” “I can lend you some money.” These are things a people pleaser might say. People pleasers take on too much and don't know when to say "no". Their desire to please others and be seen as important and helpful can lead to overwhelm and resentment. Today, I talk about why people have a have time saying No and some ways to stop being a pushover. Other resources on being a people pleaser: How to...

Last week, in part 1, I talked about the challenges of being a male HSP. There is a cultural expectation that women are more emotional and sensitive than men and that men should be tough and stoic. This expectation could clash with the traits of being an HSP, for men. Today, I talk about how to deal with those challenges as well as the positives of being an HSP and a man. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ted Zeff's article about highly sensitive men on Dr. Elaine Aron's website WSJ...

There is a cultural expectation that women are more emotional and sensitive than men and that men should be tough and stoic. This expectation could clash with the traits of being an HSP, for men. For this show, I asked several highly sensitive men for their stories and opinions. Even though I intended this to be about males, much of information can apply to all HSPs.  In this Part 1, I talk about the challenges of being a male HSP. In Part 2, next week, I’ll talk about how to deal with...

What if we HSPs could fully allow and embrace our strongest emotions--our reactions to beauty in nature in art? What if we didn't have to hold back at all?   (And yes, the title of this episode is meant to be tongue-in-cheek.)   Related posts on my blog, highlysensitiveperson.net:   Perfection in Nature: Let’s Talk about “Beauty Threshold” Overwhelmed by Beauty  Weather Affects My Mood  HSP Podcast #12: Beauty in Nature & Art   My book is available on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive...

An introvert/extrovert and HSP/non-HSP might take a look at the same vacation itinerary and have completely different reactions. An action-packed, busy vacation in a chaotic big city might seem thrilling to a non-HSP. Whereas an HSP might enjoy quieter, more peaceful activities with time for reflection. When your partner desires the opposite of what you desire, it can be challenging to agree on a vacation spot. In this episode, I talk about what qualities I most enjoy in a vacation...

I'm often surprised that I am so easily distracted when I work. Isn't that a symptom of being weak-minded? sad face. If you find yourself easily distracted (especially when working at home), please know that you aren't the only one. Lots of us share the same struggle. The key is to acknowledge, accept, and adjust. There are loads of productivity tools out there that can help you get in the zone. In this episode, I talk about what distracts me and how I try to fight it and stay on track....

One of the reasons being a Highly Sensitive Person is tough because a lot of people don't believe that HSP is a legitimate thing. This episode 39 is about dealing with those haters. It's a little heavy on the sarcasm and ranty-ness, so fair warning. My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP...

This episode 38 is about handling criticism. I talk about three little tactics I use to help deal with negative feedback in my life. (Last week I talked about self-criticism, how HSPs often criticize themselves in order to avoid the trauma of criticism from others.) My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and...

HSPs often criticize themselves in order to avoid the trauma of criticism from others. Next week, I'll talk about how to handle criticism. Big Announcement: My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Resources mentioned in this episode: The awesome blog post I mention about criticism from Dr. Elaine Aron Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and...

Today's episode was inspired by this bit of Dr. Elaine Aron's writing: “All HSPs are creative, by definition. Many have squashed their creativity because of their low self-esteem; many more had it squashed for them, before they could ever know about it.” This quote really spoke to me. Maybe this episode will serve as a reminder to introduce a little more creativity in your life (if you need it). Related posts on the highlysensitiveperson.net blog: Creativity & You & Me Resources...

Have you ever been told: “Learn to take a joke." "Why are you so serious?" "Lighten up." In this episode, I explain which jokes I find offensive and how sensitive people think it's more important to not hurt people than to be funny. Related posts on my blog: Some jokes aren't funny The mean jokes/pranks mentioned in this episode: Article about Daniel Tosh's rape joke The Saturday Night Live ISIS skit The "dropping baby from the balcony" prank The student driver prank Podcast music...

Are there specific smells and odors that you just cannot stand? And which smells are so wonderful they leave you in a state of bliss? Do you smell things that other people don't?   In this episode, I talk about HSPs' sensitivity to odors as well as the ones I love and detest.   If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes!   Related Blog Posts: The superpower of smell All the Battles I Fought When I Worked in a Cubicle (includes a part about bad smells in the...

When I’ve talked about jobs and careers in the past, I’ve always said that sales, in my opinion, is one of the worst jobs for introverted HSPs.   But a post on Reddit turned my thoughts about sales on their head. What if an introverted HSP was in a typically "extroverted" job, and instead of forcing themselves to be extroverted...they used their innate traits to their advantage?   (Apologies to the extroverted HSPs because this is one of those episodes about introverts, or introverted...

Imagine riding in a car with your friends, and everything goes black. The next thing you know, you are lying somewhere, but you can’t see. You’re in indescribable pain. You can’t speak. You can’t move your head. Then you feel a soft touch on your hand and arm, and a caring voice explains that you were in a car accident. This person squeezes your hand and says, “I’m here.” Those two words make a world of difference. This is the story of Marcus Engel. Marcus has used his experience to write...

Over the past dozen years or so, I’ve gotten more and more scared of turbulence on airplanes. When I was younger, I enjoyed turbulence. I remember a time when I would snicker when I saw other people who looked nervous! But now, It’s now to the point where I’m barely fighting off a panic attack. In this episode, I talk about why turbulence is scary to some people, plus some tips on how I calm down while on a plane. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on...

Are you ever sorry about being sorry? Have you apologized to inanimate objects? Because HSPs are observant to social cues and other people’s feelings, we tend to be very polite. And not only do HSPs have good manners, we notice when other people’s don’t. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. And get your 30-day free audio book trial (including 1 free book)...

One glaring topic I have neglected to cover in this podcast and blog is extroverts. Approximately 30% of HSPs are extroverts! (btw, it can also be spelled extravert). In this episode, I share some tidbits I've learned from interviewing extroverted HSPs, including the challenges and differences of being the wonderful way they are. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes,...

How have I not yet tackled the topic of travel? I looove to explore new places, and in today's episode, I share my top 11 HSP travel tips from 35+ countries of experience. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes. If you love the podcast or blog, consider donating by clicking "Donate" button on the right side of the blog here. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Related posts on...

In today's episode, I talk about the most interesting parts of this great interview of Dr. Elaine Aron on Reset.me. It's about genetic studies and stuff. Ok, ok, that doesn't sound very exciting, does it? Take #2. In today's episode, I talk about why high sensitivity hasn't been bred out of humans (in an evolutionary sense) and that HSPs might be more likely to be thrive (or, conversely, suffer) than non-HSPs, depending on their upbringing. SCIENCE! If you like the podcast, please leave a...

In this episode 26, I talk about how and why HSPs are more sensitive to caffeine than others. I also touch on the effects of other drugs as well as a possible connection to Mitral Valve Prolapse and HSP. I know--crazy. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Elaine Aron "Coping Corner: Strengthening Your Decisions...