The Sensitive Person
What comes to mind when we say Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Most people imagine someone that doesn’t handle criticism well or even at all, but what about fear and anguish, do those come to mind?
We are going to look at how the signs of sensitivity can be identified in writing, in particular we will examine the looped lowercase d’s and t’s and what insight they provide into the writer.
Looped lowercase d’s and t’s
A person that is particularly sensitive isn’t required to have loops in their d’s and t’s but most likely will, and thought this subject is on sensitive people and we have already introduced HSP into our lexicon, sensitivity isn’t a binary state. People tend to exhibit their sensitivity in any number of variations so I would encourage everyone to look at the d’s and t’s as a barometer, a barometer alone doesn’t tell you the picture but when aggregated with other data we can begin to make more accurate assessments of the environment or in this instance the writer, it's simply another tool in our toolbox.
As we discussed in another posting about lowercase a’s and o’s. Loops are containers and in these containers we can put many things such as fear for example. People tend to have mental fears ranging from how others will approve of their work, is their work good enough, and many people give up in despair before even writing out of such fear and concern of criticism. We are not perfect, far from it. We make mistakes all the time, the goal should be to learn from them or from the mistakes of others so we don’t repeat them. Unfortunately for many the fear of looking bad or failing is so strong, they will succumb to defeat before the battle begins.
Loops in lowercase d’s
d’s show a degree of sensitivity, this could be to a number of aspects from our personal or physical appearance such as the how we look or dress for example. Many of those that exhibit this may fear what others are thinking about their hair, their clothes and their general overall taste.
Loops in lowercase t’s
t’s reflect the degree of sensitivity in the inner realm such as the mental world of plans and ideas. Those that have loops in their t’s fear others' criticism of their opinions and creative input.
Size of the loops
The degree of fear and or anguish can be seen in the size of the loops within the d’s and t’s. As mentioned prior the loop is a container and the more it holds the bigger it comes. The size of these loops is evident in a writer's handwriting and represents the degree the writer holds onto this fear, this sensitivity to criticism.
So what to make of this?
It is assumed that HSP would be introverted due to distancing themselves from others but studies show that 30% are extroverts. (insider.com)
A few common associations of sensitive people:
Worry what others are thinking of them
Take things personally
Can’t let things go
This creates an underlying anxiety, a constant mental fear that robs the writer of their true potential. These writers have a difficult time freeing themselves from self constructed limits that misdirects energy which could be better used as a pathway to the writer and not a mental roadblock.
If you find these strokes in your handwriting or of someone you know, don't worry there are options at your disposal this sensitivity more bearable.
Actions to try:
Listen to the words being spoken. Listen carefully.
Think about what is being said and how it is being said and why it is being said.
Listen and think
What is being said? Step back and listen carefully. Think about what is being conveyed.
How is it being said? Is the tone appropriate? Stop and think about how the person spoke.
Why is it being said? Are the words used to tear you down or help to build you up.
In the world of online bullying you can become a victim of the masses in a tap.
Listen and think before you react. Words of praise can slip by if you're not listening.
You look nice today….. believe it
Your plan just might take off.…. believe it
Journaling is an effective way to express and release the anxiety the writer feels. Write down your fears and thoughts. Allow the words to become visible. Write out the pain and fear and frustration. By doing so you give life to the words and you can visibly see your anxiety. It is also important to remember that what other people think is their reality and not yours.