As per research, 20% of the world’s population is a highly sensitive person (HSP), which means they are blessed with a rich inner world and have increased sensitivity to their surroundings.
They feel a high level of empathy for people around them, thoughtful about others, and often overstimulated.
However, being with a sensitive person also requires you to understand your partner’s inner needs through effective communication and give them enough space to thrive.
Tips to date a highly sensitive person
1. Be a good listener
Highly sensitive people are good at understanding non-verbal cues and that’s how they instinctively know what you need. It’s important to communicate effectively and be a good listener to them so that you know what their preferences are. Active listening enables you to understand their unique traits will strengthen your bond with them for life.
2. Give them a little space
Highly sensitive people may take time processing emotions and situations. Their first instinct is to get overwhelmed with information and people that surround them. While you may feel being with them when things go awry is the right decision, sometimes they would need space to think and settle their emotions. Give them a little space to think, calm down and recover from a stressor.
3. Surprise them
People who are sensitive feel negative or positive emotions intensely. Taking them to a surprise outing with just the two of you or gifting them something related to their passion, would make them feel more alive, and positive. Doing simple things like making a cup of tea for them or sharing their household chores would go a long way.
4. Acknowledge their emotions
Highly sensitive people may feel emotions more deeply than others. This doesn’t mean that they are impractical or overreacting. Rejecting their emotions or telling them that they are overthinking may leave them even more devastated. Even if you are not able to offer them a solution, tell them you understand what they are feeling.
5. Go for a walk with them
Walking can calm senses and aid in better decision-making, especially when someone is overwhelmed with emotions. Take them for a walk and encourage them to speak about their fears and help them reach a decision about things they are struggling with.