I’ve had people tell me, more often than expected, that I need to stop being so emotional. According to many, I have always been that one girl who feels too much. I have been told time and time again that being as emotional as I am will only end up hurting me. I have been told that I will only end up hurt if I hold on too tightly to someone who may leave me, or to an experience that I won’t have the chance to get back. Therefore, embracing my sensitive side has never been my biggest strength.

There are not many people who feel as deeply as I do. Although I am well aware that I am young, and that I am just at beginning of my life, I have learned to use my sensitive side to my advantage. Rather than listening to others who have told me that I shouldn’t allow myself to become as attached and emotional as I am, I have, over time, started to appreciate this quality of mine. I have learned the importance of my sensitive side, and most of all, I have learned to embrace it. It leads me to be the passionate person I am, and while many may see this as a downfall, I have learned to see this as something that is not only distinct, but also very special. There are many perks to feeling deeply and being that person that just cares “too much."

1. It makes you passionate.

Being too sensitive establishes a serious sense of passion. It allows you to persevere, stay dedicated to the causes that have significance in your life, and, without getting too clichéd, follow your heart’s requests. It empowers you to stay committed to the people in your life, and because of this, you are known to be a great person to confide in. Passion establishes perseverance, and this then allows you to strive for what you find worthwhile, whether it’s a community service project or an individual that you have faith in.

2. It allows you to reflect.

Being too sensitive helps you better reflect on your life and the decisions you make. It helps you think deeper into the choices you pursue and you grow from those realizations. Writing is one of my favorite hobbies, and my love for pen and paper comes directly from my reflective tendencies.

3. It allows you to see life differently.

Being too sensitive gives you a sense of drive and an outlook on life that is unique. Because you think so deeply into things, this helps you establish your passionate and dedicated mentality. You feel positive and negative emotions deeper than others, and therefore, have a more profound experience than many.

4. It lets you care and love intensely.

Being too sensitive allows you to fight for the people you love in a way that not many others can necessarily exhibit. You are in tune with your feelings more than many can be, and this leads you to care more. When people fall in love for example, there is a sense of lust and hope that consumes the emotions in their daily lives. For people who are especially sensitive, love is even more dominant. Although at times this may establish pain or serious heartbreak, it also allows individuals with such feelings to love with those same, intense emotions.

5. It helps you better fathom other people’s struggles.

Being too sensitive is useful when it comes to trying to understand others. You truly do everything you can to try and understand what the individual is going through; you have an inner desire to want to help them. Personally, I have no idea what I want to do or be in my life, but I know that I want it to revolve around improving people’s lives.

In my eyes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling too much. It establishes me into a passionate writer and allows me to set high goals for myself. It provides me with a deeper mindset and a drive to help others. It leads me to want to make a difference. I have learned that is beautiful to look so deeply into the world. And so, the next time someone tells me that I need to stop thinking so much, hold back the tears during the Disney movie or not allow myself to care too much for the people in my life, I’ll instead appreciate the fact that I can be this in touch and connected to myself, my emotions, and to the people I care the most about.