Let’s be honest: relationships are complex, no matter what kind of personality you have. And some truths are universal, like fighting is never fun. Romantic gestures are usually appreciated. Communication is definitely valued. Compromise isn’t always easy.
But a lot of these nuances are only heightened if you’re of a more sensitive nature. Below are nine things to keep in mind if you’re in a relationship with a highly sensitive person.
Highly sensitive people are internally rather than externally motivated. They seek intangible rather than tangible rewards in life. If they’re in a relationship with someone who’s more externally driven, they may withdraw and become subdued because they don’t share the same interests.
A relationship will always have problems if one is doing more than the other. Less people can let go of it when they give more than what they receive, with sensitive people it becomes even a greater deal.
So read on. Here are some signs that will tell if you really are the more sensitive one, good or bad, you decide!
1. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS HIGH ON CELEBRATING 
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
This one is a HUGE tell sign. Sensitive people will try and always remember birthdays, anniversaries etc. You are the one who remembers the first time you met, the first time you thought they were the one, the first thing you got each other, the first time you fought.
Even the first time one of you forgot all these first-times!
Also celebrating them, may it be a flower or a gift, just something special to mark that day. It is a big deal and your other half is in trouble if something comes up one of these special days and you both can’t really do something special that day! Again, dates and days are very important to them.
2. YOU ARE ALWAYS THE ONE TO SECOND GUESS SOMEONE’S ACTIONS OR WORDS
“Did they mean it like that? I don’t think he really likes me? Did you notice, they weren’t being themselves? I felt they were a bit a cold? Do you think she is upset or something?”
If you are the one to use these sentences for anyone other than your partner or even them, know that you are the sensitive one. But it is at times good, you are able to predict a lot of things beforehand because of your apprehensive nature. This often saves you from getting hurt and also stops you from hurting your partner.
3. YOU LIKE SPONTANEITY AND SURPRISES
There is nothing you love more than surprises. A kiss out of the blue!
A little compliment while showing you off to your friends. A movie night at home, a home-cooked dinner, a surprise day off from work. All of these things count a lot for you. This is great for the relationship also because you are mainly the one who keeps the sparks going even after plenty of years.
Sensitive people, if handled correctly, can be the greatest thing that can happen to you and for sensitive people, if you really want to be the best thing that ever happens to anybody then you have got to take the backseat once in a while. There is nothing wrong with that! Doing too much raises your own expectations from your partner. And remember, not everyone is as sensitive as you. So where you are trying to make them feel special, they might also feel overburdened with those additional expectations. Free yourself from getting disappointed at time and free them of that added pressure.
It’s crucial to recognize how important small gestures and anniversaries are to highly sensitive individuals. The concept that sensitive people remember ‘first times’ more vividly is quite accurate based on my experience. These details can definitely impact the dynamics of a relationship.
The advice to take a backseat occasionally is wise. Overloading a partner with continuous effort to make them feel special can lead to unrealistic expectations. Finding a balance where both partners feel valued and understood is key to a healthy relationship.
I agree that spontaneity and surprises play a significant role for highly sensitive individuals. It keeps the relationship lively and engaging. However, the article rightly notes that balance is essential to avoid overwhelming the partner with expectations.
The article brings up some interesting aspects of being in a relationship with a highly sensitive person. The emphasis on internal versus external motivation is particularly insightful. These nuances can indeed make relationships more challenging, but also more rewarding when approached with understanding.
The point about second-guessing actions and words resonates strongly. Highly sensitive people often interpret nuances that others might miss, which can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. It’s a double-edged sword in many ways.