I’ve always been a highly sensitive person — not in the “dramatic” way people assume, but in the way where words land deeply, tone feels personal, and emotional shifts hit me faster than I expect.
It’s both a gift and a challenge, especially in relationships. You notice the little things — a glance, a sigh, a joke that lands differently than intended and they leave a mark. Sometimes it feels like living in high-definition emotions, where everything is brighter, but every shadow feels sharper too.
My boyfriend and I love each other deeply. He’s the kind of man who makes me feel beautiful even when I don’t believe it myself. He boosts my confidence around other women, reassures me, and makes me feel seen and chosen every single day. His love has always felt warm, steady, and safe.
But one day, he got playful.
He called me “my ugly duckling.”
A few minutes later, “my dirty puff.”
He said it with a smile. He didn’t mean any harm. But the words pierced through me in a way neither of us expected. It wasn’t the joke itself. It was the sudden shift — from the man who constantly lifts me up, to words that felt like the opposite. Even though I knew he was joking, something inside me tightened. My chest felt heavy. My mind spun. And suddenly, I wasn’t laughing anymore.
It’s a strange thing about sensitivity: even playful words can land like real wounds. And for a moment, I felt small, embarrassed by how deeply I was affected. I almost swallowed my feelings. Almost pretended it didn’t matter. Almost let it fester into quiet resentment. But then I realized: this was my chance to do something different.
I told him. Gently. Honestly. Without blame.
“I know you were joking, but those words felt sharp to me. I guess I’m sensitive to negative teasing, even playful ones. I just wanted to tell you how it made me feel.”
And he listened. Truly listened.
He didn’t roll his eyes. He didn’t say, “Lighten up.” He didn’t make me feel silly. Instead, he said he understood and he’d be more mindful when he’s playful with words. He didn’t stop being playful; he just chose to love me in a way that fit how I’m wired.
That small, honest conversation healed the part that hurt.
What This Taught Me About Sensitivity and Love
- Your feelings aren’t wrong — even when you’re sensitive.
Sensitivity isn’t weakness. It’s emotional accuracy. If something hurts, it’s valid — even if someone else thinks it’s “just a joke.” - Communication is not confrontation.
Telling someone how you feel isn’t attacking them. It’s giving them a chance to love you better. - A healthy partner adjusts, not dismisses.
The right person won’t say, “Why are you reacting like that?” They’ll say, “Thank you for telling me — I’ll be more mindful.” - Sensitivity becomes strength when you handle it with honesty.
You can’t always control your emotional response, but you can choose how you express it.
Advice for Anyone Who Feels “Too Sensitive”
💛 Pause before you react externally. Understand what hurt you internally. Often, it’s not the words — it’s the sudden shift in tone, intention, or emotional safety.
💛 Speak from the heart, not blame. Try: “I know you meant it playfully, but it landed differently for me.”
💛 Show your sensitivity, don’t hide it. Closeness isn’t built by walls — it’s built by sharing your feelings.
💛 Watch their response. Someone who cares will adjust. Someone who doesn’t will defend, dismiss, or minimize.
A Soft Reminder for Sensitive Hearts
You’re not too much.
Your feelings are not exaggerated.
Your emotional depth is not a burden.
Your sensitivity is simply how you experience the world — richly, intensely, and honestly. And with the right communication and the right partner, it becomes something that strengthens love instead of complicating it.
Because love isn’t just about big gestures or grand words. Sometimes, love is listening, adjusting, and holding space for each other’s soft hearts.
Your heart deserves to be heard. 💛 Share this story with someone you love, leave a comment about your own experiences, or follow our Facebook page for more stories that celebrate sensitivity, honesty, and love that listens.
— Shared by Weng
