[BlueTopaz]

Psychologist Elaine Aron has described a personality type called the "Highly Sensitive Person" or HSP. I am one myself and I have found that many "I" types are as well. Here are the characteristic behaviors:

* Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
* Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

(copied from the site: The Highly Sensitive Person)

here is a link to that site with a self test.

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I am interested in how many INTJs would describe themselves as highly sensitive.

[Astra]

I read The Highly Sensitive Person before I'd even heard of MBTI and I definitely think I am one - although a lot of that book seems to describe an INFP rather than anything else (I think Aron is one isn't she?). Those bullet points don't quite represent the whole theory - e.g. she does make the point in her book that some HSPs will deliberately overload on sensory experiences (eating spicy food, for instance) - and a lot of the stuff about needing quiet time is really the essence of any Myers-Briggs Introvert.

So I'm not sure how much it hangs together as a theory, but the advice she gives, particularly on that website, for handling day-to-day life is definitely worth reading.

[pavman]

Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby? No. Although I do notice patterns in things a lot more than is probably normal, IMHO.
* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time? No.
* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows? No.
* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation? Only when I'm tired, or need a break.
* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations? No way! I love messing with people's heads and confronting things head on... :o)
* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art? Sometimes. One man's treasure is another man's trash.
* Do you have a rich and complex inner life? Yes.
* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy? Absolutely. Still am, sort of. In fact, if I didn't have an ENFJ mother growing up, I probably would be much more introverted.

I do sometimes go through spurts where I can't seem to get myself to take care of things like I should.... like calling someone to fix a problem or get some money back, etc. I think this has more to do w/ my work environment than my personality, but perhaps not.

[Astra]

	Originally Posted by pavman To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	[I]* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations? No way! I love messing with people's heads and confronting things head on... :o)

hmmm. I used to feel that way too, but I've kind of grown out of it
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. I always seemed to approach that type of situation feeling I was on the outside anyway, so had nothing to lose. As I've got older I'm more protective of other people's sensibilities and I tend to try a bit harder to save people's feelings than I used to. That's not to say I *avoid* that type of situation, more that I don't just rush in like a bull in a china shop any more.

[Ryokurin]

Nope. I can't say that I could call myself highly sensitive. I think its similar to the 'shy' stereotype that is often placed on INTJs. If you hear something described about you enough you start to believe it.

[HarleyQuinn]

* Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
- Yeah. There will be periods where I get hit with an extremely strong smell that has no source for it and I hate sirens, overly loud shrill things. I also often find myself squinting if a white light appears after it's been dark for a few moments on television or elsewhere. I'll even squint when I go out and it's sunny.
* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
- My blood pressure doesn't rise or anything. Mentally, maybe a little but overall, not really.
* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
- Nope. Horror kinda means automatic violence.
* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
- I find it's beneficial to have "downtime" even if it's only 10 minutes after a busy day. Wednesdays I have 4 classes from 8 AM - 1:45 PM and by the last class, I just have a need to wind down otherwise I feel tense.
* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
- Not really, unless it's a situation like place A will be busy at time X. Then I'll try to plan to go to that place at a time when it won't be as crowded.
* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
- Yeah but I usually keep the awareness internal rather than letting others know unless I'm walking around with family, in which case I'll stop and pause or point out said observation.
* Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- Not in my opinion but others would probably say yes.
* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
- Quite often and my teachers still do (and I'm a Senior) but that's only until I break out of my shell and get comfortable around them.

[Antares]

	* Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?

Yes. I can't stand them. I like to play music at a high volume, though, but they're music... not just random noise.

	* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?

I find it extremely irritating and stressful.

	* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?

No... I in fact started watching the PG-13 to R rated movies since I was a toddler... But no, I have enough sense not to be influenced by them, even as a child.

	* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?

Yes.

	* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?

Yes. I spend my time preparing myself so I won't get overwhelmed.

	* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?

I do that more than anyone I know, but then again, I'd never know, since people don't know that I do that as well. I just seems to have the patience in observing and indulging in nature than anyone I know. Incidentally, in photography, I'm very stubborn and often can stand for hours waiting for my perfect shot. That again, is more than anyone I know.

	* Do you have a rich and complex inner life?

I'd say yes, but I won't attempt to explain it.

	* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

Yes.

[august]

yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

weird.

i can't stand inconsistent public noises -- the sound of chewing gum in any capacity will destroy my ability to concentrate. R&B played on my bus when i was little used to make me cry because the sound was so painful. on the other hand, music is my favorite indulgence and i have to have melody on all the time. i can't do anything if i'm hungry. i hate being in period of life transition (as i am right now).

"When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating)."
- Absolutely. Can you guys do this too?? It's almost like i feel the exact way to manipulate the energy of a room to benefit other people. It's eerie sometimes.

BUT i can repress all of this because i know exactly when i'm being unreasonable.

[DeadSpace]

* Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby? Yes, insanely so

* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?No, i'm always calm...methodical

* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?hmm, i do, hate slasher flicks

* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?Yes

* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?Yes

* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?Yes

* Do you have a rich and complex inner life?lol...yes

* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?yes

[Paul V]

Originally Posted by BlueTopaz To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Psychologist Elaine Aron has described a personality type called the "Highly Sensitive Person" or HSP. I am one myself and I have found that many "I" types are as well. Here are the characteristic behaviors: * Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby? * Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time? * Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows? * Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation? * Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations? * Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art? * Do you have a rich and complex inner life? * When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy? (copied from the site: The Highly Sensitive Person) here is a link to that site with a self test. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I am interested in how many INTJs would describe themselves as highly sensitive.

Yes.

A little.

Nah.

Yes.

Nope.

I notice them, although too often my mind's too busy to enjoy them.

Of course.

Errr... Not sure. Shy, yes (Specially lately). Sensitive? Not sure.

I suppose I'm a Moderately Highly Sensitive Person. But I think I already knew that.

[BlueTopaz]

I know I'm highly sensitive, but I don't have all the traits. For example, I love slasher flicks and loud metal music. I think like a lot of things, it is a continuum.

[Paul V]

	Originally Posted by BlueTopaz To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I know I'm highly sensitive, but I don't have all the traits. For example, I love slasher flicks and loud metal music. I think like a lot of things, it is a continuum.

Errr.... what is a slasher flick? I'm not sure we share the same definition...

But I agree with you, it's rare to have all the traits.

[DeadSpace]

	Originally Posted by Paul V To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Errr.... what is a slasher flick? I'm not sure we share the same definition... But I agree with you, it's rare to have all the traits.

Slasher flick, friday the 13th series, jason, etc, where main goal of movie is buckets of blood and dismemberment/death in various forms

[BlueTopaz]

	Originally Posted by DeadSpace To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Slasher flick, friday the 13th series, jason, etc, where main goal of movie is buckets of blood and dismemberment/death in various forms

yeah, Hills Have Eyes, Hostel (hmmm, I actually didn't like Hostel, because sex was linked with violence. I draw the line there)

[Paul V]

	Originally Posted by DeadSpace To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Slasher flick, friday the 13th series, jason, etc, where main goal of movie is buckets of blood and dismemberment/death in various forms

Oh, that. Yeah, I like those too. I like knowing I'm much smarter than the main characters. And it helps me desensitize against gore.





Paul V added to this post, 1 minutes and 34 seconds later...

	Originally Posted by BlueTopaz To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	yeah, Hills Have Eyes, Hostel (hmmm, I actually didn't like Hostel, because sex was linked with violence. I draw the line there)

I draw the line there and with excessive torture. One thing is to dispose of a person in a gory way. Another is prolongue the suffering of the person until they collapse. Which is why it took me so long to see Passion of the Christ (that and the fact that I'm agnostic).

[PortInStorm]

hmmm, I would have never thought you were agnostic, Paul.

by the way, probably sensitive 'cause I get annoyed easily by those things (ex. the stupid 'dance mix' music they put to commercials, sports etc.), and moderately loud noises are painful and extremely aversive. Never see horror films, probably because I'm in forensic psychology and some of that stuff actually happens and it's the most horrid thing one person can do to another. But even before... hated it, it was was the opposite of beauty.

[BlueTopaz]

I just wanted to make an additional observation.
I know that being an HSP does not have anything to do with my Meyers Briggs. It's like all toads are frogs but not all frogs are toads. But a lot of "I" types are highly sensitive too.
I'm on a couple of HSP boards. These boards, by and large, are populated by "ISxx". After reading a lot of the posts here and doing some deeper research into the basic differences I now understand why I was getting into so much trouble over there. I was accused of not being "sensitive" (the greatest horror ever on those boards) and I had a hard time getting along with the "S"s and the "F"s. They would post all this rainbow-lolly-pop I WUB U, crap that would drive me ape shit. ****takes deep breath and undoes tight clothes***** over here I can relax and talk my quantum physics.

[Paul V]

Originally Posted by 2ndtimestudent To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

hmmm, I would have never thought you were agnostic, Paul. by the way, probably sensitive 'cause I get annoyed easily by those things (ex. the stupid 'dance mix' music they put to commercials, sports etc.), and moderately loud noises are painful and extremely aversive. Never see horror films, probably because I'm in forensic psychology and some of that stuff actually happens and it's the most horrid thing one person can do to another. But even before... hated it, it was was the opposite of beauty.

And what did you expect? Zealous catholic or raging atheist?

I'm annoyed by that too. And I completely understand. Though I watch horror movies precisely because I'm still not in forensics (I'm studying Biochemistry, hoping to become a criminalist in the future). Whether on purpose or not, most horror movies have a shred of wisdom behind them. From the common sense ones "don't pick up hitchhikers" or "don't hitchhike", to the more astute ones "always investigate the past of every person you befriend" and "trust nobody".

The opposite of beauty thing... I must agree. It fits the genre perfectly.

[Femme de Homme INTJ]

Is that what they call it? my mom always talks about how my brother and I have "profound senses." I always say, "No, we have 'acute' senses."

But yes, I hate carnivals or things with lots of blinking lights. My husband is the same way. We hate theme parks where it smells like ketchup. Ew.

For years, I couldn't eat dinner with my family because I couldn't handle the noises people make when they're eating. I still cannot eat in the car with others unless the radio is on. As a child, I would try to encourage others to chew with their mouths closed.

First grade me trying to subtly shame another 6-year-old into chewing with his/her mouth closed: "Don't you hate it when other kids chew with their mouths open, you can see all the food in their mouths and hear them chew?"

Other kid: "Uh... Yeah" chews with mouth closed for 30 seconds until he/she forgets their shame.

Beeping noises are the bane of my existance.

I can tell if someone didn't rinse their dishes according to my preference. I can taste soap residue in my food, even the smallest amount.

I hate gore. As it happens to another person, I feel it happening to me, and my ears clam up (that's the only way I can describe it... can ears clam up or recoil? But that's what they do). Don't mind people who've been long-dead though. Like mummies or bog bodies. Maybe it's the archaeologist in me.

Someone once told me to wear earplugs to bed (I lived with my noisy family at that time in my life)... But that was worse. i could hear myself creathing and my heart pumping. And they were out of sync! UGH!

I hate lots of posters upon posters. I hate messy advertisements with words and cheap pictures everywhere. I FREAKING HATE BLINKING WEB ADVERTISEMENTS!!! If had a legitimate offer of a free, I would not click on it on the princicple that no human being should ever, EVER create flashing ads! I HATE YOU, PEOPLE WHO MAKE FLASHING THINGS!!!!!!

[JTG]

I'd put myself in the highly sensitive category if i wasn't so unbothered by everything. I hate bright lights. There's not a bulb in my apartment that's stronger than 40 watt. Banging, squealing, beeping, etc are all highly irritating. Gore never bothered me really, but i think that's more of an internal reaction to seeing something shocking. The lights, sounds, etc are actually harsh on the senses to me.

I'm a very picky eater; there are several tastes and textures that i find repugnant and can't eat. Mayonnaise will actually make me throw up, and onions will stop my appetite cold unless they're prepared the certain way i've found that i like them. People do compliment me on things like the way i eat though. For example, once somebody told me i must have been "raised very well" because i was eating a funnel cake and not getting any of the powdered sugar anywhere haha

I can take high pressure situations and handle them effectively without buckling, but i always prefer that things run quietly and smoothly, if only for efficiency's sake. I do live on the inside though, so even when things are chaotic around me i have a quiet vision inside of how i want things and how i'm going to make it happen. I definitely have to recharge my batteries at the end of a busy day though. Having quiet and solitude are so necessary to keep my sanity

[tearsbymidnyt]

	* Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?

Sometimes and with some things more so than with others. I simply cannot deal with bright, flashing lights.

	* Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?

Not so much rattled as stressed. I'm not sure what I believe will happen if I do not accomplish all I have to do in the amount of time I have to do it in, but something inside me won't let me find out what would happen. That creates major stress, because I simply have to get it done.

	* Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?

No...although I do tend to avoid sad shows.

	* Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?

Yes, at times.

	* Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?

Yes.

	* Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?

Yes.

	* Do you have a rich and complex inner life?

Oh, definitely. <smiles>

	* When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

Sensitive, yes....shy...no.

L.

[Vaden Koch]

	Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?

I don't have any bright lights in my place, can't stand 'em. Blinking lights and multi-colored lights seem to overload me completely, but I love it. Especially from a plane or tall building. I think if I ever went to Vegas I would probably go on a sensory overload and pass out. I can't stand coarse fabrics and the wrong smells make me very ill.

	Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?

Yeah, but it allows me to focus and I end up doing a better job.

	Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?

I can't watch violence on TV at all, and gore is completely out of the question. The commercials for SAW and other flicks rattle me pretty badly.

	Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?

Doesn't everyone?

	Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?

Absolutely! Who wouldn't if they could avoid it?

	Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?

-I'm often captivated by certain perfumes or scents.

	Do you have a rich and complex inner life?

I suppose.

	When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

Yup.

[wise]

Much of this applies to me. High sensitivity is also an attribute that some with Mitral Valve Prolapse have, which applies to me. I'm sure exactly what to attribute my sensitivity to, but it sure does exist, darn it.

[Vaden Koch]

Originally Posted by august To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. weird. i can't stand inconsistent public noises -- the sound of chewing gum in any capacity will destroy my ability to concentrate. R&B played on my bus when i was little used to make me cry because the sound was so painful. on the other hand, music is my favorite indulgence and i have to have melody on all the time. i can't do anything if i'm hungry. i hate being in period of life transition (as i am right now). "When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating)." - Absolutely. Can you guys do this too?? It's almost like i feel the exact way to manipulate the energy of a room to benefit other people. It's eerie sometimes. BUT i can repress all of this because i know exactly when i'm being unreasonable.

ohhh the gum chewing gets me too.... it really gets under my skin. Sometimes at work I have to interact with a ferocious gum chewer and I feel like I might pass out, or worse. I would much rather experience physical pain in any capacity than attempt to communicate with a gum smacker.

[PortInStorm]

	Originally Posted by Paul V To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	And what did you expect? Zealous catholic or raging atheist?

Easy there- just noticed that your posts were very... moral, for lack of a better word. Yes, yes, I know that non-religious people can be moral.