We all want to belong somewhere, but sometimes our unique qualities can leave us feeling excluded or unwanted by the world and those around us.
As someone who identifies as a highly sensitive introvert person, I happen to know firsthand what it feels like to be on the outside looking in.
It’s not easy dealing with these feelings day after day – they can build up inside a person until they become too much to bear.
Despite this struggle, I’m here today to tell you that there is hope. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel right now, there are ways to manage your emotions and make progress toward finding a place where you fit in.
In my journey of self-discovery and healing from feeling ‘in the way’, I’ve discovered various tools and techniques that have allowed me to take control over my emotions and push past negative thoughts about myself.
Why Do You Absorb And Worry About Other People’s Emotions?
When it comes to worrying about other people’s emotions, absorbing their stress, and trying not to be “in the way,” that is where things can get difficult for me.
I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by other people’s energy and emotions as if they are projecting them onto me without even knowing it.
This leads to an abundance of social anxiety, and self-doubt because I feel like I am being judged or scrutinized no matter how hard I try not to be.
It gets worse when you notice someone else expresses strong emotions the same way. Even if they don’t mean anything by it, because then I’m left with questions like:
- Did they say that because of something I did?
- Should I be worried?
- Am I doing something wrong?
These thoughts become so overwhelming at times that all my good intentions go out the window and all I want to do is just hide away from everyone else.
The key for me has been learning to realize how to manage this type of situation better. No one wants their friend to feel like they’re constantly in the way or unwelcome.
But taking steps toward understanding why these feelings come up can help us move past them more quickly than expecting others around us to change their behavior first.
By recognizing our own triggers, we can set up self-care and boundaries and take control of our own emotions, before letting anyone else affect us too much.
The Feeling Of Being ‘In The Way’
The feeling of being ‘in the way’ is something I’m sure many of us can relate to. We know all too well how powerful this feeling can be and how quickly it can lead a person to self-doubt and fear of rejection.
It often starts with an overwhelming wave of emotions. Maybe someone says something that triggers a negative reaction inside you, or you feel like everyone else around you is having fun without you.
Whatever it may be, these feelings are hard to ignore because they become so consuming. All those thoughts racing through your head make it difficult to focus on anything else.
You just want to leave the room as soon as possible before anyone notices your unwanted attention.
That’s why it’s important for me (and maybe even for some of you) to take control of my own emotional state by recognizing my triggers ahead of time and setting boundaries accordingly.
In many cases, this is just in my head and it doesn’t match reality. Taking ownership of my reactions has enabled me to remain balanced despite any external influences that threaten my peace of mind.
Strategies To Reduce Anxiety & Stress
When I’m feeling overwhelmed by the sensation of being ‘in the way’, I rely on a few tried and true strategies to help me reduce my anxiety and stress.
1. Focus On Your Breathing — It’ll Help Clear Your Mind
The first thing I tend to do to calm down is take some deep breaths. Focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly to regain control over my emotions. This simple but effective technique can instantly put me at ease as it helps restore calmness and clarity of mind.
2. Own Your Space — You Have Every Right To Take Your Time
Allow yourself the space to think and make decisions without feeling rushed. Recognize that it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your needs.
Know that it is alright to take your time and not be rushed. Respect yourself enough to not apologize for allowing yourself the time you need.
3. Create A Bubble Around Yourself To Protect Yourself From Others’ Emotions
Visualize a robust and shimmering bubble of light surrounding you. It is a protective shield that will not let any negative or stressful energy penetrate it.
Take a few moments to feel your feet against the ground, take a few deep breaths, and notice all that is around you. This process will help you to feel grounded and connected.
Finally, it is important to set boundaries with friends and others to protect your emotional well-being. Respectfully inform people of your boundaries, and don’t be afraid to say no if you need to.
4. (Quietly) Hum A Tune To Help You Relax
Choose a simple melody that you find calming and soothing. Listening to these gentle tunes can help to slow down breathing and reduce stress levels. Focus on the vibration of the sound and how it feels in your body.
Repeat the tune as many times as needed to help you relax and reduce anxiety. Experiment with different melodies until you find one that resonates with you and helps to bring a sense of peace and relaxation.
5. Remember The Big Picture
It’s easy to forget about the big picture when we’re in the midst of a stressful situation. That’s why it’s so important to take a step back and remember what we’re ultimately trying to achieve.
Engaging In Healthy Coping Skills
It’s important to remember that there are no quick fixes for managing uncomfortable feelings. Instead, I prefer taking it slow by focusing on small achievable tasks throughout my day.
For example, if I’m feeling overwhelmed at work, I’ll take frequent breaks where I practice mindful breathing exercises which help me stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.
This type of strategy shifts my perspective from one of fear and anxiety to one filled with positivity and productivity.
The beauty of using these types of coping strategies is that they’re entirely within our control. Even when life throws curveballs our way, we still have the power to choose how we respond.
Learning To Let Go And Move On
Once I’ve taken the time to engage in healthy coping skills, it’s important for me to remember that sometimes letting go and moving on is necessary.
This can be hard for an introvert like me who tends to get stuck ruminating over past events.
However, if I want to move forward in a positive direction then it’s essential that I learn how to let go of my worries and anxieties.
As difficult as this may seem at first, there are practical strategies that have helped me find some peace with what has happened so I can focus on rebuilding my inner strength.
Another helpful tool I use is reframing negative thoughts into more neutral ones. Instead of dwelling on unpleasant memories or feelings, I make an effort to replace those thoughts with positive affirmations which help boost my confidence and remind me of my own worthiness.
By shifting my attitude towards these experiences in a more constructive manner, it becomes easier for me to accept situations and ultimately stop worrying about things beyond my control.
Highly Sensitive People Should Be Treasured
As an introverted and highly sensitive person, I strongly believe that highly sensitive people should be treasured and valued for their personality traits and unique gifts.
It took a lot of time to come to this conclusion and adopt this point of view but here me out and try to do it as well:
“My sensitivity doesn’t make me weak”
Instead, I am able to recognize the strength and beauty that comes with being so deeply attuned to the feelings of others.
When we value ourselves as highly sensitive individuals, our empathy and understanding ability in social interactions can become invaluable assets both personally and professionally.
It may not always be easy to remember that others also treasure these qualities in us too. By reminding myself of this each day I’m better equipped to handle whatever life throws at me without fear or anxiety.
After all, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t celebrate my uniqueness just like everyone else!
Highly Sensitive Introverts: In Conclusion
Being a highly- sensitive person and an introvert can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to tend to feel overwhelmed with the emotions of others and worry that you are ‘in the way’.
But, feeling this way for most people is completely normal. It doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with us.
We just need to find strategies to reduce our anxiety and stress so we don’t become overwhelmed and easily offended by other people’s feelings.
It’s important for us to understand that our sensitivity isn’t something to be ashamed of, in fact, it should be treasured.
Our sensitivity allows us to experience life deeply, appreciate its beauty, and connect with others on an emotional level like no one else can.
We have a gift for being able to sense what someone needs before they even ask for help. It’s like having a secret superpower!