Crybaby
Sensitivity is often seen as a character flaw or something one needs to “fix” or change about themselves. I consider myself to be a very sensitive person: I feel things deeply, I take things personally - and I don’t see any issue with that.
It can get a bit annoying at times, truthfully. Every emotion can evoke tears out of me. Happiness, sadness, annoyance, frustration, anger--if I can feel it, tears can come from it. In the past, this has made me feel weak or fragile, but as I get older I am starting to realize that feeling emotions so deeply can be a beautiful thing. But like any other personality trait, there are pros and cons to being a sensitive crybaby.
I struggle with concealing my emotions. Most people can read me like a book, which is not ideal when I am trying to be discreet. It’s borderline impossible to hide that your feelings are hurt during an argument when your eyes are full of water, and your nose is as red as Rudolph’s. This problem combined with my love for writing puts texting arguments much more up my alley.
However, my lack of ability to hide my emotions makes me incapable of bottling things in for long periods of time, which has turned out to be beneficial to my mental health. Instead of keeping how I feel to myself until I explode, I express how I feel. Whether this is to a trusted loved one, therapist, or journal, I find a way to lift things off my chest. Without the added weight of keeping everything inside, I have found it easier to manage my anxiety.
Being as sensitive as I am can get bothersome when I’m trying not to take things personally. I find myself often lying awake at night, remembering a remark someone made about me earlier that day, month, or year. It’s an ongoing process for me to learn not to take constructive criticism as a slight to my talent or character.
Empathy is embedded into my sensitive character as well. It is natural for me to put myself in someone else’s shoes. This causes me tp think twice before judging others so harshly. Empathy is also necessary for maintaining solid friendships and relationships. Empathy and sensitivity is what makes me so caring for others feelings. As a sensitive person, I always try to stay tuned in to how others around me are feeling. I stay aware of my words and actions so that I do not hurt others.
Crying is the way your body naturally self-soothes. It is the way your mind clears and you feel better after a good cry. Some people cry more than others, just as some people prefer night showers while others take them in the morning. Crying easily does not make you weak and it is not a character flaw.
Sensitivity can be such a beautiful trait to have. While I feel the worst of emotions deeply, I feel the best of them more strongly too. I refuse to continue to allow myself and others to fabricate this idea that I need to change myself to be strong.
I have made an oath to myself to no longer look at my sensitivity as a negative aspect about me. I know my strength, and my proneness to crying has no correlation with that. When things are tough, I allow myself to cry, but I always know that I will get through it. I now carry the title of a professional crybaby with pride, something I have wanted to do for a long time.