Click on a blog post, or tune into a podcast and you’ll likely find someone sharing tips on how to be more resilient, more adaptable, more “thick-skinned”.

However, what if we told you that being highly sensitive – often seen as the antithesis of these qualities – can also be a massive strength.

Highly sensitive people, or HSPs for short, are often misunderstood. They’re seen as too emotional or too easily overwhelmed. These so-called “weaknesses” can actually be superpowers if used the right way.

Highly sensitive people (HSPs), who make up around 15-20% of the population, often get a bad rap.

They’re viewed as too emotional, too introspective, or too overwhelmed by the world around them. But these perceived “weaknesses” can actually be powerful strengths when harnessed correctly.

Whether you’re an HSP yourself, or you simply know someone who is, understanding these strengths can help shift your perspective on sensitivity and its value in our society.

Here are the 10 hidden strengths of highly sensitive people that they never talk about.

You might just see sensitivity in a whole new light!

1. Deep thinkers

Highly sensitive people tend to be deep thinkers. They’re the kind of people who think about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of life more than others. They often ponder over questions that many might overlook, and this helps them gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

This characteristic of being a deep thinker can be a fantastic strength. It allows HSPs to solve complex problems, understand others better, and make thoughtful decisions.

If you’re an HSP and a deep thinker, it’s not a weakness, it’s a superpower!

2. Highly empathetic

Another hidden strength of highly sensitive people is their high empathy levels. They have a unique ability to feel what others are feeling. This means they can understand people’s emotions and experiences at a deeper level.

Empathy is a powerful skill. It helps HSPs build strong relationships because they can connect with people on an emotional level.

It also makes them great team members, leaders, and friends, as they can understand and support the emotions of those around them.

3. Great listeners

If you’re a highly sensitive person, chances are you’re a great listener. They often take the time to truly hear what people are saying, instead of just waiting to speak. This makes them naturally good at understanding and helping others.

This ability to listen deeply can be a huge strength. It helps create meaningful relationships and  help others in ways that they truly need.

If you’re an HSP who’s a great listener, understand that your capacity to listen is a rare and treasured quality!

4. Keen observers

Highly sensitive people have a sharp eye for details that others might miss. They notice the small things, like a subtle change in someone’s mood, or a slight difference in the usual environment.

Did you know that this ability to pick up on minor changes can be a key survival skill?

According to a study by Dr Elaine Aron, a leading psychologist and researcher on high sensitivity, HSPs’ ability to detect slight changes in their environment made them valuable members of social groups in early human history. They were often the ones to notice threats or opportunities that others missed.

This keen observation skill can be an immense strength today as well. It enables HSPs to anticipate problems, recognize patterns, and come up with creative solutions.

If you’re an HSP who’s a keen observer, your attention to detail is a true asset!

5. In touch with emotions

Highly sensitive people have a unique relationship with their emotions. They feel things deeply and experience a wide range of emotions, which can be intense at times.

This sensitivity towards emotions might seem overwhelming sometimes, but it’s also a beautiful thing. It helps HSPs to experience life more fully and deeply. They can find joy in the smallest things and appreciate the beauty around them that others might overlook.

Moreover, being in touch with their emotions allows HSPs to be authentic and genuine. They aren’t afraid to feel, and this honesty can create a deep connection with others.

If you’re an HSP who’s in touch with your emotions, your ability to feel deeply is not just a strength, it’s a privilege that allows you to experience life in all its richness and diversity.

6. Highly creative

Many highly sensitive people are creative. They have a unique ability to think outside the box and come up with original ideas. This is largely due to their deep thinking capabilities and keen observation skills.

As an HSP myself, I’ve often found solace in creative outlets. Whether it’s writing or even dancing, the process allows me to express my thoughts and emotions in a way that words sometimes can’t. This creativity has not only been a form of self-expression but also a means of problem-solving in unexpected ways.

If you’re an HSP who finds joy and meaning in creating, your creativity is a gift that can bring beauty into the world and solve problems in unique ways.

7. Intuitive

Highly sensitive people have a sort of sixth sense. They’re tuned into the world around them and can sense things that others might miss out on.  Sometimes, this intuition can be scary.

As an HSP, it can feel like I’m constantly overthinking or imagining things. But more often than not, it turns out to be right.

When we trust our intuition, it’s like having a built-in guide, helping us navigate through life.

8. Conscientious

Highly sensitive people are often known for being conscientious. They care about doing a good job, they’re careful, and they think things through before acting.

Research has shown that being conscientious is one of the top predictors of success at work. This conscientious nature is a huge strength for HSPs.

It makes HSPs reliable, trustworthy, and diligent in everything they do.

9. Appreciate the simple things

One thing I’ve noticed about being a highly sensitive person is that we have a special ability to appreciate the simpler things in life. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset or a walk in nature, the smell of fresh coffee, or the sound of rain against the window – these little moments seem to touch us deeply.

For me personally, my favourite part of the day is my early morning walk when everything is quiet. It energises me and prepares me for the day ahead. It’s these moments that truly make me feel alive.

This ability to find happiness in the small moments is a gift that can bring a lot of peace and contentment into your life. It is something we all need.

10. Deep connections

As a highly sensitive person, I crave deep, meaningful connections and much prefer this to small talk.

This isn’t always easy. It makes you feel vulnerable and it can be exhausting at times. But it also allows you to forge bonds that are genuine and profound.

It’s not about having a large circle of friends, but about having a few relationships that truly matter.

As an HSP, your ability to connect with others on a deeper level is a strength that can enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Finally, you might think that highly sensitive people are fragile or weak. But we’re anything but that. The truth is, we’re very resilient.

We might feel things deeply and yes, we might get overwhelmed at times. But we also bounce back. We take our experiences, learn from them, and come out stronger on the other side.

Don’t mistake sensitivity for weakness. It allows us to navigate through life with empathy, creativity, and depth. And when the going gets tough? We don’t just survive – we thrive.

If you’re an HSP and you’re doubting your strength, your sensitivity doesn’t make you weak, it makes you resilient.

And that’s another superpower!