The world can be a challenging place for sensitive individuals. Those who are easily affected by the emotions of others, and who struggle to set personal boundaries and prioritize their own needs, may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of modern society. It can feel like everyone else is living on a different wavelength, and that there’s no place for sensitive souls in a world that values toughness and self-reliance.
However, it is important to remember that being sensitive is not a weakness. In fact, it can be a strength as sensitivity allows individuals to connect deeply with others, empathize with their struggles, and appreciate the beauty and richness of the world around them. Sensitivity is what makes us human, and it’s what allows us to build meaningful relationships with others.
That being said, it is also important to recognize that sensitivity can be a double-edged sword. When we prioritize the needs and emotions of others over our own, we risk neglecting our own well-being and happiness. We may find ourselves constantly giving to others, without receiving the support and care that we need in return. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion, burnout, and resentment, and may ultimately harm our relationships with others.
So, what can sensitive individuals do to navigate the challenges of modern society? Firstly, it’s important to recognize that self-care is not selfish. Taking time to prioritize our own needs, practice self-compassion and self-love, and engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, is crucial for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We cannot give to others from an empty cup, so we must learn to fill our own cups first. Loving ourselves is no crime, spending money on our clothing, grooming, self-care, skincare or even accessories is never a waste of money. And for some reason, it almost feels like a sin to even think this way. That’s how deep this mentality is engraved in our brains.
Helping people is always a good idea, making them feel good about themselves is the best gift we can give them but at the same time we have to make sure we are not belittling ourselves. It is important to make sure by that raising them we are not dragging ourselves down.
It is also important to set healthy boundaries with others. This means learning to say no when we need to, and recognizing that it’s okay to prioritize our own needs over the needs of others, at times. It also means being clear and assertive about our own feelings and needs and communicating them honestly and respectfully with others.
Just because we may have been taught to prioritize the needs of others over our own, or to equate self-worth with external validation, doesn’t mean we have to continue living our lives that way. We can learn new ways of thinking and being, and we can gradually shift our mindset to one that prioritizes self-care, self-love, and healthy boundaries. It may not be easy, and it may take time, but it’s possible.
We are already cursed with this urge of approval from everyone, nothing can cure us completely. We can just do what little we can to make life beautiful and relevant. Some of us might have already given up on the norms of society. But there’s no way we can let our future generations live a life of doubts and questions about their existence. We have to make them brave enough to do what’s right not what’s accepted. At every point, there are tough choices to be made and we are used to playing it safe. However, we can teach them how to think beyond the boundaries of appreciation. We can teach them not to waste their lives in making everyone happy, because it’s hard walking with everyone. At some point, they become a burden. We’ll have to make them brave enough to know when to let go and when to hold onto things and people.
Those who are coming after us should not be dependent on how people think of them and how they can do good so they will accept them, like us. They ought to learn from our mistakes and that’ll only happen when we learn from our mistakes or simply acknowledge them.
It is both beautiful and painful to be sensitive in this world which only demands toughness. However, it is important that we focus on the beauty of this subject rather than the pain that it causes. Emotions are natural, there’s nothing wrong or shameful in feeling things intensely. I have never been ashamed of my sensitivity even when people try their best to make me feel that way. When you feel deeply, you notice keenly and understand thoroughly and that only adds to your knowledge and wisdom. I just try my best not to let the bad side of things affect me. Maybe we all can do the same.
Feedback at [email protected]

Shafiya Showkat Wani