Situation · Family and friends
“My family tells me I'm too sensitive”
What could be going on
Invalidation: Fits if your feelings are called wrong or unimportant rather than heard.
Childhood emotional neglect: Could be a family that never noticed or named feelings; check how others' feelings were treated.
Sensory processing sensitivity (highly sensitive person): You may genuinely process more deeply; it's a trait, not a flaw.
Gaslighting: Check whether they also deny what they said, making you doubt your reactions.
Emotional inhibition schema: Fits if the family rule is that feelings are dangerous or weak.
Questions to carry
- What had I just said I felt, the last time I was called too sensitive?
- Once I hear it, what do I do with the feeling I had shown?
Also said as
- whenever I'm upset my parents say I'm overreacting
- my family laughs at my feelings
- they say I can't take a joke
- why does my family dismiss my emotions
- family says I'm oversensitive
- my parents tell me I take things too personally