My Sensitive Self

A reflection on the ones that feel when told they should not

For many of us who feel deeply, it is not uncommon to be told we are “too emotional” or that we “overreact.” Sometimes it is said casually, other times in frustration, but over time, these comments can plant seeds of self-doubt. We start to question whether our feelings are somehow wrong or excessive, simply because someone else would not respond in the same way. The truth is, we each experience and process the world through our own unique lens. There is no universal “right” or “wrong” way to feel. What moves you, moves you, and that is worth honouring.

When our emotions are dismissed or misunderstood, we often begin to hide them. It might start with holding back tears, changing the subject, or laughing off something that actually hurt. These moments may seem small, but repeated over the years, they can leave us disconnected from our own emotional truth. We learn to keep more and more of ourselves private, not because we want to, but because we believe it will make us easier to be around. This is not because sensitivity is a flaw, but because we have been conditioned to think that expressing our feelings is a burden to others.

Sensitivity is often misunderstood because people perceive it through the filter of their own experiences. If someone struggles to connect with their emotions, they may find it difficult to understand yours. It is not about them being “right” and you being “wrong,” but about how differently we each process the world around us. For many, this misunderstanding is not born out of malice but out of a lack of perspective. And while perspective can grow, it is not your job to shrink yourself in the meantime to make others more comfortable.

Therapy can be a safe space to unlearn the idea that feeling deeply is something to be ashamed of. It offers room for your emotions to be fully seen without judgement, and serves as a reminder that there is value in the way you experience life. This is where reframing begins, where you start to see your sensitivity not as weakness but as awareness and connection. Asking yourself gentle questions can help: Why do I feel uncomfortable being sensitive? What does sitting in silence do for me? How does silence leave me feeling? Often, asking the question is more important than finding an immediate answer, because it opens the door to self-understanding.

Allowing yourself to feel does not mean being overwhelmed by every emotion; it means being in an honest relationship with yourself. When you give yourself permission to feel, you connect more deeply with your own needs and experiences, and you create the possibility for richer, healthier relationships. Sensitivity can bring openness, empathy, and honesty to the table. By expressing your needs and emotions clearly, you give the people who care about you the opportunity to truly meet you where you are.

Over time, this journey becomes less about hiding and more about acceptance. You stop holding everything in. You stop carrying the belief that you are “too much.” You learn to work alongside yourself instead of against yourself. And in doing so, you discover that sensitivity is not a weakness to fix, but a strength to embrace, one that can guide you to live more fully, more truthfully, and more connected to yourself.

Looking for support?

If this post resonated with you and you are in a place where support feels needed, you are warmly invited to reach out for one-to-one sessions. Therapy can offer a grounded space to explore exactly where you are, especially when you are in the messy middle of change.

You can also follow along on Instagram or TikTok at @acerbistherapy for regular motivation, weekly reminders when new blogs are posted, and a space to ask questions or suggest topics you would like to see covered. You do not have to do this work alone, and you are always welcome in the conversation.