Being sensitive is hard, but it’s not a flaw; if anything it’s a superpower. I feel at such a deep level that other people get intimidated by it. I know this because I’ve been told “I’m too sensitive," or "too passionate” many times. I’ve been asked to tone it down, or to control myself in situations where my emotions come forth. I used to be embarrassed or ashamed by it, but now I realize how special it makes me.

The fact that when I speak of something I’m passionate about my chest gets tight and my eyes water drives me to bring change to what I care about. My sensitivity makes me hyper-aware of what those around me like and don’t like, I pay attention to every little detail. I’m thoughtful, powerful, and devoted because of how sensitive I am. It’s what makes my eyes light up when I talk, and what makes my heart pound when sharing ideas. It flows through veins, and fuels the powerhouse of my brain. It’s my creativity, my fearlessness, my awkwardness. Each emotion I feel and each action I take is a result of my sensitivity. How dare someone tell me to stop being sensitive because they’re not ready to feel as much as I do? I understand it can be overwhelming, but it’s who I am, and it’s not a flaw, it’s not a mistake, it’s a defining factor of what makes me, me.

I’m blessed to be sensitive, and those who love me for it can see that. Those who don’t can learn to. The key to learning to love someone who’s sensitive is not to deny their sensitivity or tell them to push it back; it’s to rejoice in it, instead of shaming it. Are there negative sides to being sensitive? Of course, sometimes I can’t keep my mouth shut, and I struggle with overthinking situations I don’t need to, but no one can be perfect. It’s a matter of deciding to embrace myself for who I am, rather than living in constant constraint filled with fear of being “too much”. It’s a choice I’m not willing to make anymore, because I shouldn’t have to, and I won’t. My sensitivity is a part of me, we’re a package deal, so take it or leave it.