Eyesight or sense of sight is one of the most problematic and most rewarding areas for HSPs. And rightly so, after all humans have survived for as long as we have been on this planet mostly because of being able to see. While seeing horror and deeply emotional scenes on TV might give you that kick of adrenaline, for Highly Sensitive People it might be a terrible experience.
When They See Pain
So, for starters, how does it actually feel? How are they sensitive to what they see exactly? HSPs are more often than not very empathetic and thus feel other people’s emotions and states as their own. Imagine, you’re walking by a kid who just fell of his bike and injured his right leg, got couple of scratches there and there, and is crying as his mother tries to help him. As an HSP you wouldn’t be able to go past that without getting an achy feeling in your right leg and burning invisible scars on your face.
When They See Horror
Now, imagine you’re watching a horror movie with your HSP friend, who was reluctant to watch it with you but did it anyway because you watched their comedy show last night. How do you think they feel? Maybe they are not going to get out of those blankets for a week, but at least you watched Saw 7 for the third time (that was the last horror movie I watched as a kid after giving up on horror forever).
When They See Bright Lights
And, be careful with bright lights! As much as you want to go to a festival that blasts epileptic horror on to its screens, it can be a little overstimulating for your friend. Although, I can’t really be speaking for all HSPs because I personally love bright lights (unless it’s 3 am and I need to go to bathroom).
When They See Anger
Despite all of that, there is a ton of benefits that HSPs bear by being visually sensitive. One of them is being a better friend. You can be in a bad mood and angry, but your HSP friend will care and know that under all of that there is still you – a kind and compassionate person. They know when your mood is changing because they can see it in your slightest changes of facial impressions or your posture.
When They See Clutter
Then, on work they can be better at spotting things than other people. They are more attuned to fine details and therefore are professional quality controllers. Even though it can become a little annoying at home – when everything should have its own place for HSPs.
When They See Art
They are expressive and great artists. A lot of Highly Sensitive People like to express themselves in some art. In my bio I also mentioned that art might be the only one true way of relaxing for HSPs. It is soothing and gives our brains space for processing daily stimulants like what we see, hear, smell or touch. And we like to create something that resonates with us. For example,I like to do some colouring books and watercolour because it is delicate and this is how I feel most of the time.
So, in short, when you have an HSP friend:
- Don’t suggest horror movies (unless they are specifically into it)
- Know that they will know if your mood has changed (unless you’re not in the same room)
- Don’t be exaggerating with your emotions if you’re angry (like you should really try not to yell)
- Present idea – something for their artsy shenanigans, or something they won’t be able to take their eyes off.
- Don’t go with them somewhere that has super bright lights.
Thank you for reading this post, and I’ll see you this Saturday for a flash fiction piece about sight sensitivity to illustrate how it feels for HSP’s to deal with being overwhelmed by what they see.
(Featured image source is here.)
Life Is Acid And Sweet 