Emotional People: 10 Traits And Characteristics That Define Them
Each person is a world and each of us has different personality characteristics that make us unique. While some individuals are colder and show little of their feelings, others are quite the opposite: they are very sensitive.
In psychology they are known as emotional people, or highly sensitive people (HSP) to those individuals who process sensory data more deeply due to the biological nature of their nervous system. At least this is what some experts on the subject have tried to demonstrate.
Emotions are an integral aspect of the human experience, serving as the driving force behind our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with the world. While some individuals may exhibit a more reserved demeanor, others wear their emotions on their sleeves, navigating life with heightened sensitivity and intensity. In this exploration of emotional people, we delve into the traits that characterize them, the challenges they may face, and strategies for embracing and expressing their emotions authentically.
Surely all of us know someone who is very sensitive, since scientific studies seem to indicate that 1 in 5 people possess this personality characteristic.
Some psychologists think that there is a type of individual called a “highly sensitive person” (HSP), a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron in the early 90s. This thought arises from the publication of her book “The Highly Sensitive Person.” , which made her a pioneer and main leader of this idea. Also have come to be called emotional people as a simplification of the concept
What are highly emotional individuals like?
Sensitivity is a characteristic or trait that everyone has to some degree or another, but while some individuals are moderately sensitive, others are excessively sensitive. In general, emotional people present a series of singularities
Studies seem to indicate that the personality trait of high sensitivity appears in more than 100 animal species, and according to this theory, the reason lies in depth of processing which is responsible for a greater propensity for over-stimulation, emotional reactivity, empathy and sensitivity to stimuli.
These types of people have a series of characteristics. To understand it better, below you can find 10 characteristics of emotional people:
1. They are very empathetic
These types of people are very sensitive to the emotions of others, and they easily put themselves in each other’s shoes, unlike what happens with narcissistic people. By feeling emotions more deeply and intensely, they also perceive what others feel more easily and are more sensitive to their feelings.
Empathy is, without a doubt, one of the best qualities of the human being. However, too much can cause problems, for example, when making decisions rationally.
2. They are more intuitive
Emotional people tend to be very intuitive, since They are more sensitive to context and more connected to their emotions Additionally, they have the ability to process environmental subtleties consciously or unconsciously, which is as if they process more information than others without even trying.
3. They are more creative
Studies show that these types of individuals are more creative. In fact, a large number of emotional people are attracted and They develop in creative fields such as art, music, dance, theater, etc If you want to know more about creativity, you can visit our article: “The 7 personality traits of creative people”
4. They take longer to make a decision
Since emotional people pick up more subtleties, they typically spend more time thinking and processing information before participating and contributing to a discussion. They tend to be people who reason more and therefore take longer to make a decision or take action, because they are more aware of the consequences and nuances in the meaning of their decisions. They tend to consider more options and possible outcomes before deciding.
5. They tend to feel misunderstood
We live in a society that tends to avoid emotions, where being sensitive is even frowned upon. These types of people often hear phrases like: “Don’t worry so much”, “You think too much”, etc. Emotional people can feel like they are misunderstood
This is more noticeable in the case of men, who culturally have to give an image of strength and protection that does not always fit with that of a sensitive personality. PAS should not be confused with introversion or extraversion. In fact, while many emotional people are introverts, 30% of them are extroverts.
6. They are more respectful and polite
Emotional people are very aware and empathetic, therefore, they are respectful of others. By being more sensitive to the feelings of others, they do not like to do to others what they do not want for themselves. In addition, they better understand the reactions of others and how their behavior affects interpersonal relationships, so they tend to be more polite.
7. They are very sensitive to criticism
Being empathetic and being an emotionally sensitive person also means that the person takes criticism worse. This happens because they experience emotions more strongly and process information more deeply both for the good and the bad.
Criticism is very hurtful to them because they take it very personally. Some often employ certain strategies to minimize the likelihood of being criticized. For example, they avoid situations where they might experience criticism or hang out with nice people.
8. They react very passionately
Since emotional people experience life more intensely and feel greater emotional pain than others Therefore, they respond and react more intensely than others in a given situation, since they have a greater response to pain, discomfort, and emotional experience. They are people who are more susceptible to crying and react more passionately.
9. They work well as a team
Since emotional people are thoughtful people and possess social skills such as empathy, They often offer commitment, understanding and wisdom to a team project Likewise, when making decisions, they are good at exploring different approaches and solutions, as well as analyzing the pros and cons. Now, perhaps they falter when it comes to making the final decision.
10. They are more susceptible to anxiety or depression
These types of people absorb positive emotions easily, but also negative ones. And it is that unpleasant experiences affect everyone but especially to these people, who are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. These types of individuals tend to reflect and indulge in their emotional side, so difficult situations also impact them much more and it is difficult for them to overcome them.
While being emotionally attuned can be a gift, it also presents certain challenges and vulnerabilities. Some common challenges faced by emotional individuals include:
Overwhelm: The intensity of their emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to periods of heightened stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion.
Misunderstanding: Others may misunderstand or misinterpret their emotional reactions, perceiving them as overly dramatic or irrational.
Boundaries: Emotional individuals may struggle to establish and maintain boundaries in their relationships, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or taken advantage of.
Self-Doubt: They may experience self-doubt or insecurity, questioning the validity of their emotions and struggling to assert their needs and desires.
Emotional Regulation: Difficulty regulating emotions can lead to impulsive behaviors, mood swings, or conflicts in interpersonal relationships.
Strategies for Embracing and Expressing Emotions
Emotional individuals can benefit from adopting strategies that allow them to embrace and express their emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Some effective strategies include:
Self-Awareness: Cultivate self-awareness by tuning into your emotions and identifying the underlying triggers and patterns that influence your feelings.
Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or body scans to ground yourself in the present moment and observe your emotions without judgment.
Healthy Outlets: Find healthy outlets for expressing your emotions, whether it be through journaling, exercising, engaging in creative activities, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and learn to assertively communicate your needs and boundaries to others.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies for navigating your emotions and overcoming challenges.
Embracing the Complexity of Emotion
Emotional people possess a unique gift for experiencing life with depth, passion, and authenticity. While their heightened sensitivity may present challenges at times, it also enriches their lives with empathy, creativity, and profound connections with others. By embracing their emotions, cultivating self-awareness, and adopting healthy coping strategies, emotional individuals can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace, resilience, and a deep sense of self-acceptance.
