If someone uses these 12 phrases, they’re probably an HSP

We’ve all observed a friend who retreats from a lively party early or a sibling who prefers immersing themselves in a book rather than joining the bustle of public places.

Let’s be honest, it’s quite easy to label them as introverted, antisocial, or even aloof; however, the reality might be entirely different.

Here’s a thought:

They might actually be Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), a term coined by psychologists for individuals who are profoundly attuned to their environments and experience life more intensely than most.

To understand them better, let’s look at 12 phrases often used by HSPs.

You see, identifying these phrases will not just help you empathize with HSPs, but it will also shed light on their distinct way of experiencing the world.

1) “I need some alone time”

As HSPs, they might often find themselves saying, “I need some alone time.”

If you think about it with an open mind you’ll realize this is not a sign of antisocial behavior, but rather a reflection of their need to decompress and recharge.

In the multisensorial world that we live in, it can feel intense when they’re taking it all in with their heightened senses.

Fundamentally, craving solitude and peace is their method of filtering out some of the sensory overload.

Picture it as their reset button.

A button that enables them to regain their balance and process their experiences in a serene space.

The root of those needs might have something to do with the following phrase.

2) “That was overwhelming”

This phrase is a clear sign that as HSPs, they absorb and process a vast amount of sensory and emotional information. Given this, it’s not hard to imagine that this can lead to moments of sensory overload, turning ordinary situations into overwhelming experiences.

Think about it like this:

After a personal issue or hard time, HSP might feel as worn out as if they had traveled the world, while others might only feel as tired as if they had gone on a weekend getaway.

That’s what being an HSP feels like.

3) “I feel drained”

Can you relate to getting home after a long day and saying “I feel drained“?

Here’s the thing: Don’t sweat it!

The truth is the world is a symphony of stimuli, and they’re listening to every note.

As a result, this can be emotionally and physically exhausting!

Remember that recognizing their need for rest and recovery is essential, especially for HSP individuals.

4) “It’s too loud”

I bet you have encountered the looks, or even quiet gossip when they express that they find the environment to be “too loud.”

Truth be told, HSPs don’t mean to be complicated.

But you see, their heightened sensitivity to noise can sometimes be as overwhelming as it is misunderstood by others.

My advice: Encourage them to communicate this to their close ones. Hopefully, they can help make environments more comfortable and friendly for them.

5) “I need to think about it”

While some individuals might rush into decisions following their emotional impulses, there’s a group that pauses and takes a moment to think about their response. That’s right, these folks are always switched on!

This is primarily because they value integrity and understand well that agreeing to something they don’t want to do is not being honest to others, or to themselves.

Consequently, when they provide an answer, you can be assured of its credibility.

6) “I noticed that too”

They’re keenly observant. Their eye is trained to notice, perceive, and furnish their intuition with that edge.

People like them frequently spot subtleties that others might overlook, prompting them to remark, “I noticed that too.”

This shouldn’t be confused with being nosey or over-attentive.

But they can’t help noticing that when people talk, their bodies also communicate, and sometimes they can spot discrepancies with just a simple observation.

7) “I’m feeling emotional”

This is a genuine expression of their inner emotional landscape.

The truth is that they feel emotions deeply and are comfortable expressing them.

As a result of their emotional depth, allows them to connect with others in profound ways and provides a rich palette for their life experiences.

And remember, feeling emotional is no sign of instability, quite the opposite, it means they are in tune with their emotions and manage them in real-time knowing what they need most at these times.

8) “I don’t like conflict”

As HSPs, they tend to seek harmony and calm in their relationships, and there’s strength in that peace-seeking nature.

As we have mentioned, they absorb emotions; therefore, conflict can feel especially stressful, leading them to say at times “I don’t like conflict.”

That being said, I recall friends who were often accused of shirking responsibility, but the reality was they’d become so agitated during a conflict that the best way they could respond was to retreat, spend some alone time to gather their thoughts, and then return to address the issue.

I respect that a lot, it shows a lot of knowledge of oneself.

9) “That hurt my feelings”

You see, many people feel some kind of shame to admit their feelings were hurt.

But them?

They’re not afraid to admit it, often stating, “That hurt my feelings.”

After all, they feel things deeply, making them more susceptible to emotional hurt.

But the reality is that they’re often more honest than most. It’s a sign of authenticity and sincerity in expressing their feelings.

Essentially, it makes them feel more human, more real.

10) “I can tell you’re upset”

If there’s one trait they possess in abundance, it’s empathy. They’re good at picking up on others’ feelings, even when they’re trying to hide it.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking – HSPs are like the emotional equivalent of a sniffing dogs unit!

Jokes aside. Their ability to perceive these subtle emotional cues is a reflection of their empathy and understanding.

11) “That’s too violent”

To put it simply, they despise violence.

They’re sensitive to violence, whether they encounter it in real life, on TV, or in a video game.

This aversion truly represents their empathy and compassion – qualities that the world could certainly use more of.

12) “I have a strong intuition.”

Or some variation of the phrase, “We have a gut feeling”.

Now, this trait feels very close to a 6th sense. Their heightened sensitivity often translates into a keen intuitive sense, allowing them to make connections that others might miss.

Allow me to encourage them: trust in their intuition. It’s not some mystical force but a natural outcome of their intense observant nature.

Essentially, it acts like a compass, guiding them through life with wisdom and insight.

Final thoughts

Recognizing these phrases can assist you in better understanding and supporting the HSPs in your life.

It’s important to bear in mind that their high sensitivity isn’t a flaw or a disorder, but a natural trait.

In fact, renowned psychologist Elaine Aron, who pioneered the concept of the Highly Sensitive Person, asserts that about 15-20% of people naturally exhibit this trait. 

So remember, we probably know more HSPs than we realize. There’s a significant portion of the population experiencing the world intensely. Now you can spot them better and nurture relationships understanding better how their world works. 

With empathy and understanding, we can create a more comfortable world for HSPs, where they can truly flourish.