The Highly Sensitive Person in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You

Okay so this has some bits of woowoo throughout, and the entire last 10% is some serious woowoo, and I definitely could have lived without all the dream interpretation stuff. But also, I feel so seen! There were some really interesting and personally validating sections, and if I was reading this on paper I definitely would have been highlighting. Also, while I relate to the information processing and sensory overload aspects of HSP greatly, I don't relate to the somewhat emotionally fragile description of the book blurb, so it may still be worth a read if you don't either.

There are some good insights here. This was recommended to me by my girlfriend, who thinks I am highly sensitive. According to the handy self-test in this book, I am not. Neither is she, but there are some lessons here for everyone.

Experience matters. I have read a lot of books recently that emphasize the effects of our childhood experience on our lives and behaviors. As I age, I find myself agreeing with that notion. I parent much the way my own parents did. I can change my behavior, and I have, but it takes effort and dedication. I'd like a book with a bit more on how one reforms or unlearns negative behaviors or associations gained in childhood.

Some people are very sensitive. I am not one of them. I think I always intuited that show more some people felt things more intensely than I did. I suspect painters and poets have more intensely felt lives. But, it isn't just painters and poets. Your crazy aunt who doesn't like to be hugged could find the sensation a bit too much.

I am a sensation seeker. I hadn't really thought about that in a dedicated way before reading this. i travel, I try things, I crave sensation and stimulation. show less

When I first read "The Highly Sensitive Person" I felt I was reading an all too accurate description of myself. The traits my husband found particularly annoying about me were explained in detail. This follow-up book was helpful to both of us. It got into some of the touchy issues when an HSP is dealing with a non-HSP partner. It also describes the issues of the HSP/HSP couple, which adds perspective to the HSP/non-HSP blend. HSP is not widely recognized among people yet. I think just being aware of its existance is helpful to everyone.

Valuable information for the sensitive person in understanding their specific needs in a relationship

‘Whenever I mention research, I provide enough details so that it should be easily found through a Web search, and often is listed on my website, www.hsperson.com.’

Reading in chapter 1, I decided to visit the above website, and read with interest one of her articles. http://www.hsperson.com/pages/1May04.htm#top

Chapters
1. Are You an HSP? Temperament, Love and Sensitivity
2. Gender-Shyness and Sensitivity: Finding Your Self, Forgetting the Stereotypes
3. HSPs and the Fear of Intimacy: The Reasons You Worry and the Ways to Security
4. Falling in Love: Sensitivity and the Big Plunge
5. HSPs with Non-HSPsL Making Love Last When Tempreraments Clash
6. When Both of You are Highly Sensitive: Keeping the Peace Between Two Peas in a Pod
7. Creating show more a Satisfying, Sensitive Partnership: Relationship Advice Revised for HSPs
8. Our Sexuality: Sensitive People in Bed
9. The Spiritual Path of HSPs: Secure Love Leads the Way, the Way Leads to Secure Love

Glossary
HSP Highly Sensitive Person
HSS High Sensation Seeker
HSM Highly Sensitive Male
HSF Highly Sensitive Female show less

A book I wish I had read 25 years ago!