If someone uses these 10 phrases, they’re probably an HSP

Ever been labelled as “too sensitive” or a tad “too emotional?”

If that rings a bell, you might be part of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) club.

Wondering what that means?

Well, HSPs are folks who just feel things on a deeper level than others.

They’re more in tune with their surroundings and their inner feelings.

So let’s dive into 10 phrases HSPs often use.

These statements will give you a window into their world.

Whether you’re an HSP, or you’re trying to get the hang of someone who is, this list is for you.

1. “It’s just too noisy.”

One of the first phrases you might hear from an HSP is “It’s just too noisy.”

HSPs have a heightened sense of hearing and can easily get overwhelmed by loud noises or busy environments.

Whether it’s a crowded restaurant, a bustling office, or even a loud movie, what seems normal to most people can be excessively loud to an HSP.

They might often seek quieter places to work, relax, or socialize.

So next time your friend asks for a catch-up in the quiet corner café instead of the hippest new bar in town, they might just be an HSP!

2. “I need some alone time.”

If you hear someone frequently saying “I need some alone time,” there’s a good chance they might be an HSP.

Highly Sensitive People often need periods of solitude to recharge their batteries.

They tend to absorb emotions and stimuli from their surroundings, which can be quite draining.

Therefore, spending some time alone helps them process their thoughts and feelings, and regain their energy.

So if your friend or family member often retreats into their ‘me-time’ bubble, don’t take it personally.

They’re probably just recharging their HSP superpowers. 

3. “I can’t just shake it off.”

Once, after watching a particularly heart-wrenching movie, a friend of mine told me, “Just shake it off, it’s not real.”

But as an HSP, I find that’s easier said than done.

You see, HSPs deeply process emotions and situations – be they real or fictional.

So when I say, “I can’t just shake it off,” it’s because I’m likely still processing the emotional content of that movie even long after the credits roll.

The feelings and thoughts don’t just disappear for HSPs; we need time to work through them.

If you ever meet someone who seems profoundly moved by art, music, or stories and takes time to recover, they might just be an HSP like me. 

4. “I feel like I can sense your mood.”

An intriguing fact about HSPs is their exceptional ability to pick up on the emotions and moods of others.

Hence, you’ll often hear them say things like, “I feel like I can sense your mood.”

HSPs have increased empathy and can often ‘absorb’ or ‘mirror’ the feelings of people around them.

This is because the brains of HSPs are wired to process social and emotional information more deeply.

So, when an HSP tells you they can sense your mood, it’s not just intuition or guesswork.

It’s their brain processing subtle cues at a level that most people don’t. 

5. “I often need reassurance.”

When an HSP tells you, “I often need reassurance,” it comes from a place of depth and emotional vulnerability.

Being highly attuned to their feelings and those of others, HSPs often seek validation and assurance to navigate their world.

They tend to worry about whether they’ve done something wrong or upset someone unintentionally because they feel things so deeply.

A simple reassurance, a kind word, or a gentle affirmation can go a long way in helping them feel secure and understood.

6. “I prefer meaningful conversations.”

I’m not much for small talk. When I say, “I prefer meaningful conversations,” it’s because surface-level chit-chat doesn’t hold much appeal for me as an HSP.

You see, we HSPs crave depth in our interactions. We enjoy diving into topics that matter, exploring ideas, and sharing personal experiences.

We feel most connected when conversations go beyond the weather or the latest TV shows, touching on dreams, fears, aspirations, and emotions.

So if I steer our chat towards deeper waters or seem disinterested in idle gossip, it’s just my HSP nature shining through. 

7. “Sometimes, I take things too personally.”

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Sometimes, I take things too personally,” they might be an HSP.

We have a knack for internalizing things – a stray comment, a slight change in someone’s tone, or even a non-reply can make us question ourselves.

We’re not being overly dramatic or seeking attention. It’s just that our sensitive nature makes us prone to overthinking and self-doubt.

We care deeply about our relationships and how we affect others, so we can’t help but take things to heart.

It’s a part of who we are, and while it can be challenging at times, it also makes us empathetic and understanding in ways others might not be.

8. “I notice details others miss.”

HSPs often have a keen eye for details that others might overlook. This is why you’ll frequently hear them say, “I notice details others miss.”

HSPs possess heightened sensory processing sensitivity. This means they’re more aware of the subtle aspects of their environment – a faint smell, a slight change in lighting, a tiny shift in someone’s facial expression, or even the specific wording used in a conversation.

So, if you know someone who tends to catch these little details that you or others don’t, they might just be an HSP showcasing their natural observant abilities!

9. “I can’t stand violence or cruelty.”

As an HSP, when I say, “I can’t stand violence or cruelty,” it’s not just a preference – it’s an intense aversion.

Violence or cruelty, even when fictional in movies or books, affects me deeply.

The vivid images and intense emotions can be too much for my sensitive nature to handle.

And it’s not just about physical violence; emotional cruelty or unkindness can also be deeply distressing. A

s HSPs, we are champions of empathy and compassion, and witnessing acts that counter these values can be quite unsettling for us.

10. “I need things to be just right.”

As an HSP, when I say, “I need things to be just right,” it doesn’t mean I’m being fussy or difficult. My senses are more finely tuned, and even small changes in my environment can throw me off balance.

Whether it’s the lighting in a room, the temperature, or how crowded a place is, these seemingly minor details can greatly affect my comfort and mood.

It’s not about perfectionism; it’s about creating an environment where my heightened senses can feel at ease.

Remember, being an HSP isn’t about being ‘difficult’ or ‘high maintenance.’ It’s about experiencing the world in a uniquely intense way.

So whether you’re an HSP yourself or know someone who might be, understanding these key phrases can lead to greater empathy and appreciation for the sensitivity that lies within us.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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