How can highly sensitive people benefit from being creative in their social lives?

Social bonding as a highly sensitive person

What does research say about social pain in highly sensitive people?

High sensitivity is studied to be an innate, genetic trait and is researched to exist in 20-30% of the human population. Contrary to beliefs, high sensitivity isn’t a pathology. Higher sensitivity could arise from higher awareness of internal and external stimuli. Given the higher sensitivity levels, highly sensitive individuals can be responsive to more physical and social pain.

Physiological pain is often related to cellular damage, however, social pain could be related to psychological distance from social groups or people. For example, highly sensitive people can feel emotional pain due to social exclusion or feel traumatized by remembering experiences of social exclusion in social situations. 

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As a highly sensitive person, how have I built connections without social pain?

Highly sensitive people can include playfulness, nonchalance, and creativity in their social scenarios. I would like to believe that our resilience to have happier social lives outweighs the challenges of high sensitivity.

Despite the challenges, highly sensitive people could utilize their innate nature to create social bonds. We can utilize creativity and imagination to take part in social activities that make us feel united with others. Often, dancing, storytelling, and painting make me feel united with others without having to feel emotional pain. 

[Full disclosure: I still experience some degree of emotional overwhelm while listening to sad stories or dancing to dramatic music. However, I try to pick events that promote happiness!]

For example, this weekend, I chatted with a new person in my Bollywood dance class. It is less socially intensive to bond with someone between peppy dance moves. It took us one common denominator to begin a social connection – sweat!

‘Why aren’t you sweating?’ I asked the young girl dancing behind me. ‘I have been wiping my face throughout the class,’ replied the young girl.

Thus, began my new social connection, and if you are a highly sensitive person, your social life could bloom with your creativity too! I believe in you!

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What does abstract art say about social bonds and high sensitivity?

The abstract art in this blog post represents my journey as a highly sensitive and artistic person in the social sphere. The background blue shades represent my approach to relationships. That is, the upper part of the artwork has a shade of blue that represents subtle and gentle actions. Whereas, the lower part of the artwork has a shade of dark blue that represents a straightforward and action-oriented mindset towards relationships. The neon pink represents decisions that stood out while creating and managing social connections. The two figures in the middle represent tender friendships that have been a part of my life. Also, they are made out of texture white paste. 

In my social sphere, I've observed others reactions towards my high sensitivity. To others, highly sensitive people can come across as slightly different, but that doesn’t mean it’s a negative :).

Embrace high sensitivity and colors, my dear friend!

-3, 2, 1, Cheers,

Pranita

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Reference: Morellini L, Izzo A, Celeghin A, Palermo S, Morese R. Sensory processing sensitivity and social pain: a hypothesis and theory. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2023;17:1135440.

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Disclaimer  - Please note that the information on this site and blog is not medical information. Expressive Sensitive is a space to inform, educate, and engage highly sensitive people about the relationship between abstract art and high sensitivity. Please be advised that I utilize my education and experience as an artist, self-healer, energy worker, and a science communicator to create authentic content in this space.

To get medical support, please reach out to a qualified medical professional. Please reach out to authorized educational professionals to replicate my artistic or emotional coping methods.