I recently returned from an EFT conference in England, where I taught a class on the highly sensitive temperament.

First I talked about the trait of sensitivity. It is INFP in the Meyers-Briggs temperament types, and the Idealist-Healer in the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. Here is one list of aspects of this trait (sound like anyone you know?):

Abstract in thought and speech
Cooperative
Introverted
Appear reserved and shy
Diplomatic
Empathic

Hunger for deep and meaningful relationships
Value personal growth, authenticity and integrity

Internally deeply caring
Deeply committed to the positive and the good
A mission to bring peace to the world
Strong personal morality

Often make extraordinary sacrifices for someone / something they believe in
Imagination and evolution are the goal.

Seek unity, feel divided inside
Often had an unhappy childhood
May have been raised in a practical, industrious, social family
Didn’t conform to parental expectations

Often feel isolated, “like an alien”
See themselves as ugly ducklings

Rich fantasy world as a child, may have been discouraged or punished for this by parents
Wish to please, try to hide their differences
Believe and are told that their sensitivity is bad

Drawn toward purity but continuously on the lookout for the wickedness they think lurks in them

Self-sacrificing to an extreme, in atonement for their failings
Keep this inner struggle hidden from others

(Resources: David Kiersey, Please Understand Me II; Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator; The Highly Sensitive Person, Elaine Aron)

I asked people to share what they most liked and most disliked about being so sensitive. The answers ranged widely and thoughtfully. On the "like" side, they shared about being grateful for their deep sense of empathy and compassion, their appreciation of beauty, a strong sense of justice, their ability to sense what is going on in another person.