Since we're on topic (a little), I figure I would make a post and dedicate it to my sister. (Just as a side note, the previous post was not in reference to her) But she asked me yesterday who else in my family besides my mother was sensitive. I listed a few people, including her, and she funnily replied "whatever dog". She was being sensitive about being called sensitive. Aaron and I had a chuckle. But to you, sweet Olivia, I give you the pros and cons of being a sensitive person.
PROS:
- considerably more thoughtful than the rest of the population
- always thinking of the needs of others
- great listeners
- genuinely empathetic
- people just like to be around you
- two words: Carolyn Massee
- gentle, kind spirit (which Greatly mirrors Christ's own)
- usually very humble
CONS:
- people could easily take advantage of you because you really would just do anything in the world for them
- typically wear their heart on their sleeve
- easily offended
- consider other's opinions far too important
- sense of self worth usually defined by others
Now, these are not from any book, nor are they specific to each and every individual. Everyone is different in their own way. And not all of these apply to you, Olivia. But, my word, can you imagine a world where there were no sensitive people?! I guess I don't really see where being sensitive became a bad thing. I asked Aaron last night if I was a sensitive person to which he lovingly responded (this is paraphrased) "No. You're basically a man." Well, thanks for the honesty. I do try SO hard to think of others but it's so not my nature. I would give anything to be more sensitive.
So, Olivia, keep on keeping on. I wouldn't say your the most sensitive person in the world that I've ever met in my life (so don't think I think you sit around just crying about things all the time). But, you really are just so thoughtful. You're so kind and sweet and anyone would be lucky to be like you. :)
4 comments:
aw. yes, carolyn massee is very sweet! and i consider myself sensitive, but definitely saw a few things on the list that wouldn't apply to me. ha! and i know some other sensitive people who are terrible listeners. they listen if they happen to be interested in what you are saying. i am selectively sensitive also. some people's opinions matter greatly to me while other people's seem irrelevant. and sometimes i am frustrated with myself because of how hardened i can be towards some things while i can be So terribly tender towards other things!!
BUT i think sometimes sensitive can also be another word for touchy or irritable and that's how i try to keep myself in check. i am also not one of those people who is just always thinking of others except to worry about what they think of me probably. i have had to learn to choose to think of them for THEM and what THEY need and not always think of how they relate or don't relate to ME and how it might affect ME to reach out blah blah.
and while some people don't necessarily cry easily or take everything too seriously, they get kind of touchy or high strung about some stuff and they might almost dominate with their "sensitivity." another not so nice aspect of sensitivity is when it is just plain insecurity. and this means that a person won't reach out. they don't initiate because they are afraid.
i guess in the end, of course no one can be put in a box. i'm sure we all have our sensitive moments. i hope that we as wives are sensitive to our husbands and are attentive to him, but that doesn't mean we do that to everyone. but i do think we definitely need the sensitive and the not so sensitive in this world! i don't trust an artist who isn't a little weird and a little sensitive!
i think, if i may be so bold as to say it, that neither you or olivia are exactly "wear your heart on the sleeve" type of people, but in my intuition, i sense that you both value affirmation and encouragement in a way that a sensitive person would value it. i think you are almost reluctant to get too open about things sometimes where maybe sometimes it would be OK to be more free. and i think you can both be very thoughtful and that you both are great at reaching out. y'all both did things in my postpartum phase that really helped me out and you were sensitive to the fact that i was too delirious and preoccupied to think to ask for it! =)
Aw you wrote a whole post dedicated to me asking you a simple question: I feel special now :). I suppose I envisioned a different definition of sensitive, being really moody, not able to be pleased, really touchy, etc. I suppose I'm going to go cry my eyes out because I'm just so mad at you for calling me sensitive...haha kidding And I said "whatever dog" b/c Aaron always says that, not b/c I was being sensitive...I just can't win ha
i was thinking the same thing olivia--sensitive could mean several different things. i think sensitive can be a great quality, but if someone is using it mean moody and difficult all the time, then of course that isn't fun.
calling someone sensitive is like calling them argumentative. the minute they reply with "no I'm not" even if they say it matter factly, you can come back say, "SEEEEE!" hahaha. i am reminded of the place in Jane Austen's book Mansfield Park where Fanny is accused of being "serious" and she answers, "And that is the worst sin?" Because truly, serious and sensitive are not intrinsically negative.
I'm sure you guys are THRILLED at these books I'm writing here, by the way. hehehehee
aww. I wouldn't go as far to call you a man. I would more say that not a lot phases you. You are easy going and don't get too wrapped up in what people think. Which is a great thing.
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