Three types of HSP – feeler, sensor and aesthete

Do you ever find that something you’ve read or heard before takes on new meaning when you come across it again?

I just have.  When re-reading an article by Andre Solo about ‘3 Types of HSPs‘: those with Ease of Excitation (‘feeler’), those with a Low Sensory Threshold (‘sensor’), and those with strong Aesthetic Sensitivity (‘aesthete’).

That first one jumped right out at me, like it never had before.

For some reason, I’ve only recently realised just how excited I get about things and how engaged my central nervous system regularly is as a result.  For example:

I was out with different friends six times within 10 days.  I was absolutely wiped out afterwards by the sheer anticipation and enjoyment of the get-togethers.

Friends laughed out loud at my reactions to food when I was eating with them.  My whole being lit up at the first taste of a korma custard and a cheese scone respectively.

My nervous system was ‘beside itself’ about prepping to try for tickets for what is a bucket list thing for me – seeing Jodie Comer live in ‘Prima Facie’ next year.  Excited anew when I got them.

I get easily startled.  My response to an unexpected fright is a big, loud, sharp intake of breath that makes anyone nearby jump.  And be startled in turn.

Many HSPs (me included) are a combination of the three HSP sub-types.  But the strength of my reaction to ‘ease of excitation’ is its own indicator of just how defining a feature it is for me.

And that recognition helps me understand and manage myself better. For example:

It’s clear I need to space out my socialising better.

I get hungry easily.  I’ve previously put that down to activity, effort and greed.  But maybe it’s just my excitation consuming fuel and needing replenishment?  Just need to ensure healthy snacks.

I’ve regarded my impulsiveness as a possible indicator of ADHD.  But maybe it’s just my excited response to something?  I’ll wait 20 minutes before I act or buy.  Let the big feeling pass.

And I’m going to visualise putting my Jodie Comer tickets away in a lovely imaginary box somewhere in my head.  It can keep my excitement safe till I get it out again in February.

What about you?

Do you recognise any of the 3 HSP types in yourself? Does that help explain anything about you to you?  Or give any clues about how to embrace and manage things better?