The Highly Sensitive Person. Elaine N.Aron

T F I tend to be very sensitive to pain. T F I find myself needing to withdraw during busy days, into bed or into a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation. T F I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. T F I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens close by. T F I have a rich, complex inner life. T F I am made uncomfortable by loud noises. T F I am deeply moved by the arts or music. T F I am conscientious. T F I startle easily. T F I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. T F When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating). T F I am annoyed when people try to get me to do too many things at once. T F I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things. T F I make it a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows. T F I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me. T F Being very hungry creates a strong reaction in me, disrupting my concentration or mood. T F Changes in my life shake me up. T F I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art. T F I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations. T F When I must compete or be observed while performing a task, I become so nervous or shaky that I do much worse than I would otherwise. T F When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive or shy. T F

      SCORING YOURSELF

      If you answered true to twelve or more of the questions, you’re probably highly sensitive.

      But frankly, no psychological test is so accurate that you should base your life on it. If only one or two questions are true of you but they are extremely true, you might also be justified in calling yourself highly sensitive.

      Read on, and if you recognize yourself in the in-depth description of a highly sensitive person in chapter I, consider yourself one. The rest of this book will help you understand yourself better and learn to thrive in today’s not-so-sensitive world.