Being a sensitive soul can sometimes be an obstacle in life. At work, we have to be ruthless and thick-skinned to get promoted, to draw attention to our work, to get recognition, and to perform well in interviews. Many times in my life I’ve been told to “toughen up”, or to not take things too personally.
Whilst this is true to a degree, and we become more thick-skinned automatically through experience and as life goes on, being sensitive is also a very valuable, positive and admirable quality to possess. Overly logical people often lack tact and empathy; two of the most basic traits needed for human social interaction.
Penelope Cruz once admitted in an interview, that she belongs to the sensitive class of people. She said that being very sensitive means that you can get hurt easily but it also means that a whole world is open to you that is not even visible to insensitive people.
Whenever I’m told to “toughen up”, I try to find a solid middle ground, whereby I can be as tough as the personal or professional situation demands, without denying the person I am.
So embrace your sensitivity and don’t let anyone try to tell you that it’s anything but an admirable character trait.
It’s worth noting also, that highly sensitive people are usually very intelligent, gifted, talented and creative. They are loyal and sentimental and have an eye and ear for art and aesthetics. Thoughtfulness is also one of their main personality traits. Sounds like a winning combination to me!
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