One of the most counterintuitive truths about highly sensitive person: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Highly Sensitive Person Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of highly sensitive person
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking highly sensitive person is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging highly sensitive person without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing highly sensitive person to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for highly sensitive person while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Highly Sensitive Person
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting highly sensitive person, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Highly Sensitive Person
Many people find that when they stop fighting highly sensitive person and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of highly sensitive person is partly the struggle against it.