3 Types of Sensitivity

The fact that sensitivity isn’t determined by just one gene helps explain why no two sensitive people are exactly alike. So far, researchers have identified three main ways that people differ in their sensitivity.

Low sensory threshold:

You are sensitive to information you take in through your senses, such as sights, smells, sounds, and textures. Or as we like to say, you are a super sensor. This type of sensitivity determines, on the one hand, how attuned you are to your environment and, on the other, how quickly you become overstimulated. You might have a low sensory threshold if any of these tendencies apply to you:

• You feel tired or are quickly overwhelmed in crowded or busy places.
• You have strong reactions to small amounts of caffeine, alcohol, medication, or other substances.
• You feel very bothered by loud noises (like alarm bells or shouting), scratchy or uncomfortable textures (like a wool sweater), or bright lights.
• You are sensitive to slight changes in temperature, such as when a room is a little too warm or cold.

Ease of excitation:

You easily respond to emotional stimuli, both from inside yourself and from others. You are a super feeler. This type of sensitivity often comes with an innate ability to read people, but it also means you may stress over details or struggle more with painful emotions. You might be sensitive in this way if you experience these behaviors or feelings:

• You easily absorb other people’s moods and emotions.
• You need lots of downtime to calm your nervous system and recharge your energy.
• You feel stressed or frazzled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time.
• You get hangry (hungry + angry) easily.
• You’re very sensitive to physical pain (you have a low pain tolerance).
• You try hard to avoid making mistakes (because mistakes cause you to feel a strong sense of embarrassment or shame).
• You jump easily (you have a high startle reflex).

Aesthetic sensitivity:

You pay close attention to details in your surroundings, especially artistic details. You are an aesthete, someone who has a special appreciation of art and beauty. Signs you might have high aesthetic sensitivity include:

• You are deeply moved by music, poetry, artwork, novels, movies, TV shows, and plays—or a nicely decorated room or a striking scene in nature.
• You have a strong appreciation for delicate scents or tastes (like those of a fine wine).
• You notice small details that others miss.
• You know what needs to be changed to improve an uncomfortable environment (like turning down the thermostat or softening the light).
• You have a rich, imaginative inner world.