How to Am I Funny Quiz

We believe that everyone’s funny in their own way. But the question is: how funny are you?

Answer these quick personality questions, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

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1. What kind of response do you usually get when you crack a joke?

1. People usually laugh out loud.
2. People usually giggle, or maybe sigh.
3. People tend to smile, but they have to think about it.
4. It's hit-or-miss, honestly.

2. Which classic gag is the funniest?

1. A gun that shoots a flag that says, "BANG!"
2. Pie in the face.
3. Prank calls.
4. None of these, honestly.

3. Would you ever do stand-up comedy?

1. I would, and I have!
2. I would, but I haven't yet.
3. Maybe, but I'd be sorta nervous.
4. Probably not. That's intimidating!

4. Choose the joke you think is funniest:

1. I spent all that money childproofing my house, but somehow my kids still get inside.
2. What happens when you park your frog in the wrong spot? It gets toad away!
3. My IQ test came back. My results were negative, thank goodness.
4. Knock knock. Who's there? Nobel. Nobel who? That's why I'm knocking. Nobel.

5. Choose a set of TV shows that you think are the funniest:

1. The Office, Parks & Rec, Ted Lasso
2. The Simpsons, Family Guy, Rick & Morty
3. It's Always Sunny, Arrested Development, The Good Place
4. I haven't seen these, or don't like these options.

6. Do you ever laugh at your own jokes? (Trust us, it matters)

1. Now and then, but not always.
2. All the time! I love to make myself laugh.
3. Not really. It'd ruin the delivery.
4. Usually! Someone has to, and it's not always the audience.

7. What kind of joke do you usually find the funniest?

1. All kinds of jokes! As long as they're witty, I'm laughing.
2. Slapstick or physical comedy. I like to use my body.
3. Quick one-liners or dry humor.
4. Dark humor, or controversial humor.

8. Have you ever gotten in trouble for telling a certain joke?

1. Never, or not that I can remember.
2. I've taken a joke too far now and then, yeah.
3. Some of my jokes can be taken as insults, so yes.
4. All the time. My jokes are a little risky.

9. Choose the funniest insult:

1. I'd never underestimate you. It's not possible.
2. Oh! Your face just reminded me that it's trash day.
3. You seemed smarter in your picture.
4. Stop stealing my oxygen. You just waste it.

10. What role do you play in your friend group?

1. The responsible mom friend.
2. The party animal.
3. The reliable and level-headed friend.
4. The friend who's hard to get a hold of.

11. Choose the joke format you like most:

1. Stories with a punchline at the end.
2. Practical jokes or pranks.
3. Puns or anti-humor.
4. "Your mom" jokes.

12. When was the last time you cried laughing? (Again, trust us: it matters!)

1. In the last couple days!
2. In the last couple weeks.
3. I can't remember.
4. In the last couple months.

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How to

Be Funny Without Telling Jokes

How to

Avoid Laughing at Your Own Jokes

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Tell Jokes Like a Professional Comedian (with Examples)

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Write and Tell the Best Jokes

How to Be Funnier

Comedy is an art, but it's an art that everybody practices, no matter their background, education, or taste. It's just human nature! Even if you don't think you're funny, trust us, you are, it's probably just that you haven't found your audience. But you can be even funnier with a little knowledge and know-how, and we're here to share the secrets of the trade.

Get the timing down.
You've probably heard it said that comedy is all about timing, and it's true! Things that normally wouldn't be funny are absolutely hilarious when they happen at just the right time. Likewise, a good punchline comes at just the right moment. There are many different kinds of moments, though. Maybe you sneak it in quickly, when your audience least expects it. Or maybe you make them wait for it, because you know it's a real kicker and building a little anticipation will make it pay off all the more. The right words at the right time make all the difference.

When in doubt, keep it short.
Everyone loves a good one-liner. But if you're telling a funny story, it better be funny all the way through, otherwise your audience might tune out before you get to your big punchline. It's usually safer to trim things down, rather than making us wait for the joke to land. And if you do go for those big swings on long stories, make sure the story itself is entertaining, and ideally has some smaller punchlines mixed in throughout, so that your audience is with you all the way.

Be sharp, but not mean.
Plenty of people make the mistake of thinking that you can just make fun of something or someone and get a laugh out of it, but that couldn't be further from the truth. If you're just making fun, you're just being mean. The key is to be tactful and not overstep your bounds, but also to poke fun at yourself. For every joke you make at someone else's expense, make two at your own. That way, nobody feels like they're being singled out. Even better: find the humor in people's positive qualities, rather than their flaws.

Know your audience.
This is maybe the most important rule of comedy. You can have spot-on timing, great material, and a big smile on your face, but if it's not the kind of humor that gels with your audience, the joke will flop. A bunch of church ladies might not appreciate your story about a wild night out, for example, but they might love that joke about the priest and the donkey (how does it go again?). Before you crack that risky joke, size up the people you're with and make sure it's appropriate for the company.

Practice, practice, practice.
Like any skill, humor takes practice. Some people are naturally funny, true, but they only got to be as funny as they are because they used that natural talent a lot, and figured out what works. Sure, you might practice your standup routine in the mirror, that's one way to practice. But mostly, we mean just keep cracking jokes whenever and wherever you find them, and ask yourself why they worked, or why they didn't. You'll have some flops here and there, but so does everyone, and you can't get those side-splitting laughs if you don't take risks now and then.

Want to learn more?

For more information about humor and comedy, check out these resources:

• https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/laughter-is-the-best-medicine
• https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-science-of-humor-is-no-laughing-matter
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

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References

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/cnfxYv4

How to Have a Good Day Text Messages

Brighten your loved ones' day with a kind text

Sending someone a “have a good day” text message is a great way to brighten their morning. Whether you’re texting a partner, a crush, a friend, or anyone else, they’ll likely appreciate the fact that you’re thinking of them. We interviewed dating coach Imad Jbara to give you all the best advice on sending “have a good day” text messages. Read on for the best encouraging, inspirational, positive, and funny text ideas.

Best “Have a Good Day” Text Ideas

• For a boyfriend: “Good morning, handsome! Hope you have a day as amazing as you are!”
• For a girlfriend: “Hey beautiful, I can’t stop thinking about you. Have a great day!”
• For a crush: “Good morning, sleepyhead! I hope you have the best day.”
• For a friend: “Positive vibes are coming your way! Have an amazing day ahead!”

Steps

Have a Good Day Texts for Him

1. Let your man know how much you admire him. When texting a male partner like a boyfriend or husband, Jbara says that “a little bit of admiration goes a long way.”^[1] Let him know how much he means to you and the qualities you love about him. A text like this one will likely give him a confidence boost to face the day ahead. Here are some examples:^[2]
   
   • “Good morning, my love! Wishing you a day as wonderful as you are!”
   • “Hope your day is filled with joy and everything you desire. Love you!”
   • “Sending you a kiss and a smile to brighten your day. Have a great one!”
   • “Just wanted to remind you how much I love you. Have a fantastic day!”
   • “Good morning, handsome! Hope you have a day as amazing as you are!”
   • “You are my rock and my joy. Have a wonderful day, my love!”
   • “Hope your day is as fantastic as your smile. Love you!”
   • “You make my heart skip a beat. Have a great day, darling!”
   • “May your day be as golden as your heart. Have a great day.”
   • “Morning! I woke up to the sun shining brightly through my window, and it reminded me of you. I hope you have a wonderful day!”
   • “Just a reminder this morning—I love you more than words can express. Have a wonderful day!”
   • “Good morning to the most incredible man I know! Have an amazing day!”
   • “Morning, my love! Your kindness and thoughtfulness never cease to amaze me. Have a great day!”
   • “I am so grateful to have a boyfriend/husband/partner as amazing as you. Hope you have a wonderful day!”
   • “Hey handsome! Thinking of you makes my day brighter. Here's to another day of love and laughter together.”
   • “Hey love! Just wanted to say good morning and let you know how much you mean to me. Have a great day!”
   • “Good morning, my handsome prince! May your day be filled with joy and love!”
   • “Good morning! You’re my first thought in the morning and my last before I go to bed. Have a great day today!”
   • “Wishing you a morning as beautiful as your smile and as sweet as your love, my darling.”
   • “Mornings are even more beautiful knowing that I get to share them with you. Have a great day, my love.”

Have a Good Day Texts for Her

1. Brighten your girlfriend’s day with a complimentary text. Whether you’re texting your girlfriend, your wife, or another special lady in your life, don’t shy away from being romantic. Let her know how much you value having her in your life. Jbara recommends complimenting her on things like “how smart [she is]” and “some cool things like being exciting, spontaneous, and adventurous” rather than focusing solely on appearance.^[3] Here are some examples:^[4]
   
   • “Good morning, gorgeous! Hope your day is as beautiful as you are.”
   • “May your day be as sweet and lovely as you, my darling!”
   • “Can’t wait to see you tonight. Have an amazing day, sweetheart!”
   • “Your smile lights up my life. Hope your day is as bright as you!”
   • “You make every day special just by being you. Have a great day, my love!”
   • “You are my everything. Have a great day, sweetheart!”
   • “If the world had the privilege to hug you every morning, nobody would ever be sad again. Have a good day.”
   • “You are the rainbow that fills my sky with colors. Have a good day.”
   • “Hey love, I can’t stop thinking about you. May you have a great day ahead.”
   • “Even the sun outside waits to start its day by looking at your beautiful face. I hope you have an incredible day!”
   • “Dance through the day the way you danced your way to my heart. Have a good day.”
   • “Hey gorgeous, waiting for you to wake up so I can shower you with lots of kisses. Have a great day today!”
   • “May each moment of your day be as bright and beautiful as you are. Enjoy every bit of it!”
   • “Good morning, lovebug! Every morning with you is like a fairytale. Here's to another chapter of our happily ever after. Have a magical day!”
   • “I’m reminded of how blessed I am with your love in my life. Have an incredible day today!”
   • “Your smile is contagious, and I love it. Hope you have a good day!”
   • “Good morning, beautiful! Have a wonderful day today!”
   • “It will always be a good morning with you in my life. Have a great day, beautiful.”
   • “Good morning, my love! May the sun shine brightly on your path today and always.”
   • “Good morning, gorgeous! May this day bring you incredible opportunities and amazing surprises.”

Have a Good Day Texts for a Crush

1. Let your crush know you’re thinking about them. If you’re early in the dating stage or haven’t quite gotten there yet, sending your crush a good morning text is a great way to show that you’re willing to put effort into the relationship. Don’t be afraid to get a little flirty with your message, either. Here are some examples:^[5]
   
   • “Good morning! Hope your day is as adorable as you.”
   • “Hello, sunshine! I hope your day is as radiant as your smile.”
   • “Good morning to my favorite person! Wishing you a day full of moments that bring a smile to your face.”
   • “Hoping I’m the first one to tell you good morning today. Have a great day!”
   • “I woke up wanting to see you this morning. Hope your day is incredible!”
   • “It might be raining, but I feel sunny thinking of you. Have a good day today!”
   • “Good morning, sleepyhead! I hope you have the best day.”
   • “Good morning, cutie! I hope your day is filled with beautiful surprises.”
   • “I woke up today wondering if you are a magician because every time I look into your eyes everyone else disappears. Have an incredible day today.”
   • “Good morning! Quick question for you: are you the sun? Because you bring light to everything in your orbit. Have a great day!”
   • “You’re made of stardust, and it shows. I hope you have the best morning.”
   • “Good morning! Just woke up thinking about how awesome you are. I hope you have a great day!”
   • “Morning! I just wanted to say thank you for being you and that I hope you have an awesome day!”
   • “I woke up thinking about you and it put a huge smile on my face. Have a great day today!”
   • “Good morning!! I hope you slept well and that you have an incredible day!”
   • “Hope you’re having a great day! If not, I can make it better tonight :)”
   • “I’m not a morning person, but drinking a cup of warm coffee always reminds me of you. I hope your day is as bright and happy as you make me.”
   • “How is the world’s most adorable person doing this morning? Hope your day is filled with everything that makes you happy.”
   • “Another beautiful day for a beautiful soul like you! Hope you enjoy it!”
   • “Nothing makes me more excited than seeing your name come up on my phone. Have a good day today!”

Have a Good Day Texts for Friends

1. Boost your friend’s confidence with a thoughtful text. Morning texts aren’t limited to romantic relationships—show your friends some love, too! If your friend has a big day planned or needs some extra encouragement, shoot them a text wishing them the best. They’ll probably appreciate having you in their corner. Here are some examples:^[6]
   
   • “Believe in yourself and have a fantastic day, my friend!”
   • “Sending you a big hug and lots of love. Have a great day!”
   • “Hey friend, hope your day is filled with joy and laughter!”
   • “Wishing you a day that’s as awesome as you are!”
   • “You’re amazing, and I hope you have a day to match!”
   • “Have a great day, and if anyone tries to bring you down, just remember, you’re awesome!”
   • “Sending you a virtual high-five for an awesome day ahead!”
   • “Positive vibes are coming your way! Have an amazing day ahead!”
   • “May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and lots of positivity. You deserve nothing less!”
   • “Your positive energy and radiant personality brighten the lives of those around you. Thank you for being a constant source of happiness and inspiration. May your day be as amazing as you are!”
   • “You're going to kill it today! I believe in you!”
   • “Rise and shine, bestie! Do great things today!”
   • “Good morning, my amazing friend! Hope you have a wonderful day!”
   • “Starting the day with gratitude for having you as a friend. Have an awesome day!”
   • “Hey friend! I’m on your side today—hope it’s a great one!”
   • “Good morning, my friend! May your coffee be hot and your day be cool.”
   • “Good morning to an amazing friend! Wishing you a wonderful day today!”
   • “Morning, bestie! I have a feeling today’s going to be a great day for you!”
   • “Good morning to my best friend! Thank you for being the rainbow to my storm cloud. Have an awesome day!”
   • “Wishing the best morning to my best friend! I hope your day is as great as you are!”

Encouraging Have a Good Day Texts

1. Show your loved ones some extra support. If someone you know is worried or stressed about a big meeting, interview, or other important event, give them an extra boost of confidence with an encouraging text. Let them know you’re cheering them on with one of these examples:^[7]
   
   • “You are capable of amazing things. Go out there and conquer the day!”
   • "Embrace the challenges and make today your own. You’ve got this!”
   • “Keep pushing forward and have an incredible day!”
   • “May your day be filled with achievements and joy!”
   • “Stay positive and let your light shine. Have a wonderful day!”
   • “Thinking of you and wishing you a day full of happiness!”
   • “Can’t wait to hear about your day. Make it a good one!”
   • “Hope today brings you everything you’re hoping for. Have a great day!”
   • “Just a little reminder that you’re awesome. Have a great day!”
   • “Today is your day. Go out and make it happen!”
   • “Dream big, work hard, and have a fantastic day!”
   • “Let your passion drive you and your dreams inspire you. Have a great day!”
   • “You have the power to get what you want. Never settle for less. Have a great day today!”
   • “Good morning! Start your day with a grateful heart and a positive mindset. Today is filled with endless possibilities.”
   • “Rise and shine! Today is a new opportunity to chase your dreams and conquer your goals. You've got this!”
   • “Today is your day to shine! Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way.”
   • “Rise and shine! This day is yours to conquer. Wishing you a day filled with productivity and great achievements.”
   • “Sending you all the positive energy you need to slay your to-do list and accomplish great things. Have a productive and successful day!”
   • “You have an incredible spirit that shines through in everything you do. Make today a great one!”
   • “Chase your dreams, explore new horizons, and have an amazing day full of excitement and possibilities!”

Inspirational Have a Good Day Texts

1. Motivate your loved ones to go after their dreams. When someone’s going through a difficult time, little things like inspirational texts can sometimes make them feel better. Let your loved ones know you believe in them, and send them a message to help them triumph over tough situations. Here are some examples:
   
   • “Your strength and positivity inspire everyone around you. Have a great day!”
   • “Here’s to a day full of opportunities and successes. Enjoy every moment!”
   • “You are unstoppable. Have a day as amazing as you are!”
   • “The best way to predict the future is to create it. Have a great day!”
   • “Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again.”
   • “Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart. I hope you have a great day!”
   • “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Have a great day!”
   • “Every day is a chance to be better. Make the most of it!”
   • “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Have a wonderful day!”
   • “May every person you meet be touched by your unending enthusiasm for life. Have a great day.”
   • “Dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in yourself. You are capable of achieving incredible things. Wishing you a day filled with motivation and success!”
   • “No matter how difficult the journey may seem, remember that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle. Keep pushing through and make today a day of triumph!”
   • “Set your goals high, and don't stop until you get there. Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and make today a day of success!”
   • “As you begin your day, remember that every minute counts. Make the most out of each opportunity and turn your dreams into reality.”
   • “Good morning! Strive to find balance and create a harmonious space within yourself. Have a great day!”
   • “May you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and pursue the dreams that make your heart race. Have a great day!”
   • “Rise and shine! Every morning brings a new beginning. Let’s make today count and conquer the world!”
   • “Each day is a chance to start fresh and make your dreams come true. Don’t waste it!”
   • “Repeat after me: I feel good, I think big, and everything has the potential to be really awesome. Have a fantastic day!”
   • “Good morning! You are the architect of your life and your talent is endless. Make today the best day yet!”

Positive Have a Good Day Texts

1. Bring some joy and cheer into your loved one’s life. Sometimes, it’s nice to send someone a positive text for no reason at all just to brighten their day. Cheer up your partner, friend, or other loved one with a happy text and positive vibes. Here are some examples:^[8]
   
   • “May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!”
   • “Wishing you a day that’s as bright and wonderful as you are!”
   • “Keep smiling and have an awesome day!”
   • “May your day be filled with laughter and love!”
   • “Just a reminder that you are incredible. Have a fantastic day!”
   • “Good morning! I hope today is filled with things that make you smile!”
   • “You are my sunshine. Wishing you a bright and beautiful day!”
   • “You deserve all the happiness in the world. Have a great day!”
   • “Sending you love and positive vibes for a wonderful day!”
   • “May your day be full of wonderful surprises and happiness!”
   • “May your day be as bright and wonderful as your smile!”
   • “Here’s to a day filled with fun and great moments. Enjoy!”
   • “Sending you a big smile to brighten up your day! Remember, there is always something to be grateful for.”
   • “You are a ray of sunshine in this world. May your day be as radiant and beautiful as you are.”
   • “Thinking of you and sending positive energy your way. May all your dreams and desires come true today.”
   • “Just a reminder that you are incredibly loved and treasured. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are.”
   • “May your day be filled with laughter and moments that make your heart happy. Enjoy the little pleasures life has to offer.”
   • “Don't forget to find joy in the little things. Whether it's a warm cup of coffee or a smile from a stranger, let happiness fill your day.”
   • “Wishing you a day as bright and beautiful as a field of flowers. May every moment be filled with serenity and peace.”
   • “Thinking of you this morning! Have a day as incredible as you are!”

Have a Good Day Quotes

1. Send a famous quote if you don’t know what to say. It can sometimes be difficult to come up with the best thing to say to someone. If you want to wish someone a good day or remind them to stay positive, consider sending them a popular quote from a historical figure or celebrity. Here are some examples:^[9]
   
   • “Every day is a good day. There is something to learn, care and celebrate.” – Amit Ray
   • “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
   • “Believe you can, and you're halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
   • “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
   • “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
   • “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland
   • “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Carter Crocker
   • “Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got this.” – Chantal Sutherland
   • “You are enough just as you are.” – Meghan Markle
   • “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Suess
   • “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
   • “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
   • “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius
   • “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono
   • “Every day brings you a chance to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance.” – Oprah Winfrey
   • “Today is a new day. Even if you were wrong yesterday, you can get it right today.” – Dwight Howard
   • “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” – Mark Twain
   • “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we know what to do with it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
   • “Ask not what tomorrow may bring, but count as a blessing every day that fate allows you.” – Horace
   • “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” – Bil Keane

Funny Have a Good Day Texts

1. Make them laugh with a funny good morning text. Jbara recommends being “illogical and fun” over text to keep the other person interested.^[10] Whether you’re texting a friend, partner, crush, or anyone else, sending them a funny or sarcastic message can help brighten their day. Here are some great examples:^[11]
   
   • “Have a great day! May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short!”
   • “Have a great day! And remember, if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off!”
   • “Good morning, sweetheart! May your coffee and Wi-Fi signal both be as strong as your muscles.”
   • “Yes, the early bird gets the worm first, but remember that the second rat gets the whole cheese.”
   • “Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey! Have a fantastic day today!”
   • “You're going to do great things today! Unless you're still asleep—then you need to get a move on.”
   • “Morning! Have a great day today. Now say it back. 🙂”
   • “Hey there! Life is short. Smile today while you still have teeth!”
   • “Morning! Today's goal: Don't trip over the air. Have a great day!”
   • “Rise and shine, it's caffeination time! Hope you have a good day today!”
   • “Time to rise and face the music…or at least the alarm clock. Have a good day!”
   • “Good morning, sunshine! Don’t worry, the zombie feeling will go away soon 🧟‍♀️Have a great day!”
   • “Time to get up, Sleeping Beauty! Make today a good day!”
   • “Mornings are like a blank canvas. Too bad I never learned to paint. Hope you have a great day today!”
   • “Rise and shine! Just kidding, we can grumble and glare together. Have a good day!”
   • “Morning! Let’s tackle the day before it tackles us.”
   • “Good morning! Today’s goal: Less sighing, more trying. Have a great day!”
   • “Good morning! Another day, another pseudo-crack at adulthood. Have a good day!”
   • “Remember, coffee is cheaper than therapy! Hope you have a good day today!”
   • “Good morning! Let’s make our dreams so jealous of our reality that they have to come true.”

Religious Have a Good Day Texts

1. Wish a religious loved one a blessed day. If you and the recipient of your text are religious, consider reminding them that God is watching over them. This will likely make them feel loved and appreciated and will encourage them to make the most of the day ahead. Here are some examples:^[12]
   
   • “May God bless your day with joy and peace. Have a wonderful day!”
   • “Wishing you a day filled with God’s grace and love.”
   • “May God’s light guide your path and bring you joy today.”
   • “Hope your day is filled with the Lord’s blessings and favor.”
   • “May God’s blessings be with you today and always. Have a great day!”
   • “May the Lord’s peace and joy be with you throughout the day.”
   • “Hope you feel God’s presence and love in everything you do today.”
   • “May your day be filled with God’s blessings and His perfect peace.”
   • “I pray to God to make this day the sweetest day of your life.”
   • “Just a reminder this morning that you’re one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me! Have a blessed day!”
   • “Start your day with gratitude, for each morning is a new chance to rejoice in the Lord’s blessings.”
   • “As the sun rises, let your faith in God shine brighter in your heart. Have a blessed day!”
   • “A new day is a gift from God—make the most of it and spread His love.”
   • “Wake up with a prayer, step out with faith, and embrace the day He has crafted for you.”
   • “May your day be filled with the assurance of His presence and the warmth of His love.”
   • “Every sunrise is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His plans for your life. Make today a great day!”
   • “Each morning, we’re given the opportunity to bloom in His grace and share His love with others. Have a blessed day.”
   • “The morning breeze carries His whispers of peace—breathe them in and find solace throughout the day.”
   • “May your day be a reflection of His glory and a testament to His unwavering love.”
   • “God’s mercy is new every morning. Embrace it and let it shine through you.”

Have a Good Day Texts FAQs

1. Why is sending a “have a good day” text important? Telling your partner, friend, or anyone else important to you to have a good day is a great way to make them feel appreciated. It may help brighten their day and offer encouragement if they’re going through a tough time. Texting them “good morning” or “have a great day” shows them that you care.^[13]
   
2. How often should you send a “have a good day” text? It’s entirely up to you and the other person. Some people choose to send their partners a good morning text every day, especially early on in the relationship, while others do so on occasion. Regardless of your relationship with the other person, communicate with them to find a frequency that works for both of you.
   
3. Can “have a good day” texts start a conversation? Yes, these texts can be great conversation starters. When wishing someone a good day, consider also asking if they have any specific plans. This will likely get you a more detailed answer than “Thanks, you too!” When the person responds, try to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing.^[14]
   
4. When is the best time to send a “have a good day” text? While you can send a text any time you want, most people send these types of messages in the morning, as the recipient still has the whole day ahead of them. This can help brighten their day and put a smile on their face right when they wake up.
   
5. How do I know if my texts are appreciated? Consider how the other person responds. If they respond cheerfully or attempt to continue the conversation, they probably appreciate the effort. On the other hand, if they leave you on read or respond with a one-word answer, these kinds of texts may not interest them. Be sure to talk to the other person so you both feel appreciated in your relationship or friendship.^[15]
   
   • It’s okay for people to have different texting patterns, but if someone never responds to your texts, Jbara recommends that you “move on” rather than texting them repeatedly. He adds that people “can tell if you're needy or not, just by the way you text them, just by how fast you text them, and by the amount of energy you put in, [even] if they haven't put in as much energy as you.”^[16] It may be better to dedicate your time to someone who will fully appreciate it.
6. How should you respond to a good morning text? Jbara says to respond to a good morning text by mentioning “some exciting things about your day, the things you have that you're looking forward to.”^[17] Avoid giving one-word answers or responding like you’re answering interview questions. Be sure to ask about their day, as well, to continue the conversation and show that you’re interested in them.
   
   • Jbara also adds that “The whole point of a conversation is to use [what] you're talking about right now to lead you into the next conversation. It's like a building block.”^[18]

Tips

• Sending a “have a good day” text shouldn’t feel like a chore. If it’s not really your thing, that’s okay! There are plenty of other ways to make your loved ones feel appreciated.

References

1. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.
2. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/good-morning-messages-for-him/
3. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.
4. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/good-morning-text-for-her/
5. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/a43279319/good-morning-texts/
6. ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/good-morning-messages.html
7. ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/good-morning-messages.html
8. ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/good-morning-messages.html
9. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/good-morning-messages-for-him/
10. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.
11. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/a43279319/good-morning-texts/
12. ↑ https://bigpocketsofinspiration.com/2023/08/16/48-good-morning-christian-inspirational-messages/
13. ↑ https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/12/20-reasons-a-good-morning-text-is-so-important-make-their-day/
14. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/text-conversation-starters/
15. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/g2889/text-messages-that-prove-hes-just-not-that-into-you/
16. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.
17. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.
18. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 22 September 2021.

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/NdFxUoK

How to Overcome Emotional Sensitivity

Toughen up in a healthy way and overcome your obstacles

Emotional sensitivity is healthy, but at a certain point sensitivity can end up being detrimental. Manage your strong feelings so they are your allies, rather than enemies. Over-sensitivity may lead you to assume slights that you imagined, or are not intentional. Misinterpreting constructive, everyday interactions can limit your ability to lead a happy, healthy life. Balance your sensitivity with common sense, confidence and resilience so that you do not over-react to life's everyday events.

Steps

Exploring Your Feelings

1. Recognize that high sensitivity is innate to you. Neuroscientists have discovered that part of our capacity for emotional sensitivity is linked to our genes. About 20% of the world’s population may be “highly sensitive,” meaning they have a greater awareness of subtle stimuli that is lost on most people and have more intense experiences of those stimuli.^[1] This increased sensitivity is linked to a gene that influences a hormone called norepinephrine, a “stress” hormone that also works as a neurotransmitter in your brain to trigger attention and responses.^[2]
   
   • Some emotional over-sensitivity is also linked to oxytocin, the hormone responsible for humans’ feelings of love and bonding with each other. Oxytocin can also trigger emotional sensitivity. If you have naturally higher levels of oxytocin, your “innate social reasoning skills” may be heightened, making you more sensitive to perceiving (and possibly misinterpreting) even small cues.
   • Different societies respond to highly sensitive people differently. In many Western cultures, highly sensitive people are often commonly misunderstood as weak or lacking in internal fortitude, and quite often bullied. But this is not true throughout the world. In many places, highly sensitive people are considered gifted, as such sensitivity allows a great ability to perceive and therefore understand others. What is just a character trait can be regarded quite differently depending on the culture you are in, and things such as gender, family environment, and the type of school you go to.
   • While it is possible (and important!) to learn to regulate your emotions more effectively, if you are a naturally sensitive person, you must learn to accept that about yourself. You can become less reactive with practice, but you will never be a completely different person--and you should not try to. Just become the best version of you.^[3]
2. Take a self-assessment. If you are not sure whether you’re overly sensitive, you can take a few steps to assess yourself. One way is to take a questionnaire, such as the one from The Emotionally Sensitive Person available at PsychCentral.^[4] These questions can help you reflect on your emotions and experiences.
   
   • Try not to judge yourself when answering these questions. Answer them honestly. Once you have learned the extent of your sensitivity, you can focus on managing your emotions in a more helpful way.
   • Remember, this is not a matter of being who you think you ought to be. Answer truthfully, whether you are a sensitive person, or a person who thinks they are more sensitive than he or she really is.
3. Explore your emotions through journaling. Keeping an “emotions journal” can help you track and explore your emotions and your responses. It will help you recognize what may trigger an over-emotional response. It will also help you learn when your responses are appropriate.^[5]
   
   • Try writing down whatever you’re feeling right now and work backwards to think about what may have brought it on. For example, are you feeling anxious? What happened throughout the day that may have triggered this? You may realize that even small events can trigger big emotional responses in you.
   • You can also ask yourself some questions about each entry, such as:
     • How do I feel at this moment?
     • What do I think happened to provoke this response?
     • What do I need when I feel this way?
     • Have I felt like this any time before?
   • You can also try a timed entry. Write a sentence, such as “I feel sad” or “I feel angry.” Set a timer for two minutes and write about everything in your life that is connected to that feeling. Don’t stop to edit or judge your feelings. Just name them for now.
   • Once you’ve done this, look at what you’ve written. Can you detect patterns? Emotions behind the responses? For example, anxiety is often caused by fear, sadness by loss, anger by feeling attacked, etc.
   • You could also try exploring a particular event. For example, perhaps someone on the bus gave you a look that you interpreted as criticizing your appearance. That could hurt your feelings, and you might even feel sad or angry because of it. Try to remind yourself of two things: 1) that you don’t actually know what’s going on in others’ heads, and 2) that others’ judgments of you don’t matter. That “dirty look” could be in reaction to something else entirely. And even if it was a judgment, well, that person doesn’t know you and doesn’t know the many things that make you awesome.
   • Remember to exercise self-compassion in your entries. Don’t judge yourself for your feelings. Remember, you may not be able to control how you feel initially, but you can control how you respond to those feelings. ^[6]
4. Avoid labeling yourself. Unfortunately, very sensitive people are often insulted and called names, such as “cry-baby” and “whiner”. Even worse, these insults sometimes become descriptive "labels" used by other people. In time, it is easy to adhere this label to yourself, and see yourself not as a sensitive person that does, yes, occasionally cry but 99.5% of the time does not. If you do this, you may focus entirely on one aspect of yourself (that can be problematic) to the extent you define yourself entirely by this.^[7]
   
   • Challenge negative "labels" by re-framing. This means taking the "label", removing it, and look at the situation in a broader context.
   • For example: A teenager cries because of a disappointment and an acquaintance nearby mutters "crybaby" and wanders off. Instead of taking the insult to heart, she thinks: "I know I am not a cry-baby. Yes, I sometimes respond emotionally to situations. Sometimes that means I cry when less sensitive people would not cry. I am working on responding in a more socially appropriate way. Anyway, insulting a person who is already crying is a jerky thing to do. I am caring enough not to do that to someone.”
5. Identify triggers for your sensitivity. You may know perfectly well what triggered your over-sensitive response, or you may not. Your brain may have developed a pattern of “automatic reactivity” to certain stimuli, such as stressful experiences. Over time, this pattern becomes a habit, until you immediately react in a certain way to an event without even thinking about it.^[8] Fortunately, you can learn to retrain your brain and shape new patterns.
   
   • The next time you experience an emotion, such as panic, anxiety, or anger, stop what you’re doing and shift your focus to your sensory experiences. What are your five senses doing? Don’t judge your experiences, but note them.
   • This is a practice of “self-observation,” and it can help you tease apart the multiple “information streams” that make up experiences. Often, we feel overwhelmed or swamped by an emotion and can’t distinguish the jumble of emotions and sensory experiences that are all firing at once. Slowing down, focusing on your individual senses, and separating these information paths will help you restructure your brain’s “automatic” habits.^[9]
   • For example, your brain might react to stress by sending your heart rate skyrocketing, which could make you feel jittery and nervous. Knowing that this is your body’s default response will help you interpret your reactions differently.
   • Journaling can also help you with this. Each time you feel like you’re responding emotionally, write down the moment you felt you became emotional, what you were feeling, what your body’s senses experienced, what you were thinking, and the details of the circumstances. Armed with this knowledge, you can help train yourself to respond differently.
   • Sometimes, sensory experiences such as being in a particular place or even smelling a familiar fragrance can set off an emotional reaction. This is not always “over-sensitivity.” For example, smelling apple pie might trigger an emotional reaction of sadness, because you and your late grandmother used to make apple pies together. Acknowledging this response is healthy. Consciously dwell on it a moment, and realize why it’s having that effect: “I am experiencing sadness because I had a lot of fun making pies with my grandmother. I miss her.” Then, once you have honored the feeling, you can move to something positive: “I’ll make an apple pie today to remember her.”
6. Examine whether you could be codependent. Codependent relationships happen when you feel like your self-worth and identity are dependent on someone else’s actions and responses. You may feel like your purpose in life is to make sacrifices for your partner. You may feel devastated if your partner disapproves of something you do or feel. Codependency is very common in romantic relationships, but it can happen in any type of relationship. The following are signs of codependent relationships:^[10][11]
   
   • You feel like your satisfaction about your life is tied to a specific person
   • You recognize unhealthy behaviors in your partner but stay with them despite them
   • You go to great lengths to support your partner, even when it means sacrificing your own needs and health
   • You constantly feel anxiety about your relationship status
   • You don’t have a good sense of personal boundaries
   • You feel terrible about saying “no” to anyone or anything
   • You react to everyone’s thoughts and feelings by either agreeing with them or becoming immediately defensive
   • Codependency can be treated. Professional mental health counseling is the best idea, although there are also support group programs such as Co-Dependents Anonymous that may help.^[12]
7. Take it slowly. Exploring your emotions, especially the sensitive areas, is hard work. Don’t push yourself too hard all at once. Psychology has shown that stepping outside your comfort zone is necessary for growth, but trying to do too much too fast can actually lead to setbacks.^[13]
   
   • Try setting an “appointment” with yourself to examine your sensitivities. Say you’ll explore it for 30 minutes a day. Then, after you’ve done the emotional work for the day, allow yourself to do something relaxing or enjoyable to refresh yourself.
   • Take note of when you might be avoiding thinking about your sensitivities because it feels uncomfortable or too hard. Procrastination is often driven by fear: we fear that an experience will be unpleasant, and so we put off doing it. Remind yourself that you’re strong enough to do this, and then tackle it.^[14]
   • If you’re having a really tough time working up the gumption to face your emotions, try setting a very achievable goal for yourself. Start with 30 seconds, if you want to. All you have to do is face your sensitivities for 30 seconds. You can do that. When you’ve accomplished that, set yourself another 30 seconds. You’ll find that your mini-accomplishments will help you build up steam.
8. Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Moving away from emotional over-sensitivity doesn’t mean that you should stop feeling your emotions altogether. In fact, trying to repress or deny your emotions can cause harm.^[15] Instead, your goal should be to acknowledge “unpleasant” emotions like anger, hurt, fear, and grief -- emotions that are just as necessary for emotional health as “positive” ones like joy and delight -- without letting them take over. It's important to be able to label these emotions so that you can figure out how to move forward with them.^[16]
   
   • Try giving yourself a “safe space” to express whatever you’re feeling. For example, if you’re dealing with grief over a loss, give yourself some time each day to let all your feelings out.^[17] Set a timer and then journal about your emotions, cry, talk to yourself about your feelings -- whatever you feel you need to do. Once the timer is up, allow yourself to go back to the rest of your day. You will feel better knowing you’ve honored your feelings. You’ll also keep yourself from spending all day wrapped up in a single feeling, which can be harmful.^[18] Knowing you will have your “safe space” time to express whatever you’re feeling will make it easier for you to go on with your daily responsibilities.

Examining Your Thoughts

1. Learn to recognize cognitive distortions that may be making you over-sensitive. Cognitive distortions are unhelpful habits of thinking and responding that your brain has learned over time. You can learn to identify and challenge these distortions when they show up.^[19]
   
   • Cognitive distortions usually don’t occur in isolation. As you explore your thought patterns, you may notice that you experience several of them in response to a single feeling or event. Taking the time to fully examine your responses will help you learn what’s helpful and what isn’t.
   • There are many types of cognitive distortion, but some common culprits for emotional over-sensitivity are personalization, labeling, “should” statements, emotional reasoning, and jumping to conclusions.
2. Recognize and challenge personalization. Personalization is a very common distortion that can cause emotional over-sensitivity. When you personalize, you make yourself the cause for things that may have nothing to do with you, or that you can’t control. You may also take things “personally” when they are not aimed at you.
   
   • For example, if your child receives some negative comments from her teacher about her behavior, you might personalize this critique as directed at you as a person: “Dana’s teacher thinks I’m a bad father! How dare she insult my parenting?” This interpretation could lead you to an over-sensitive reaction because you’re interpreting a critique as blame.
   • Instead, try to look at the situation logically (this will take practice, so be patient with yourself). Explore exactly what’s happening and what you know about the situation. If Dana’s teacher sent home comments that she needs to pay more attention in class, for example, this isn’t blaming you for being a “bad” parent. It’s giving you information you can use to help your child do better in school. It’s an opportunity for growth, not shame.
3. Recognize and challenge labeling. Labeling is a type of “all-or-nothing” thinking. It often occurs in conjunction with personalization. When you label yourself, you generalize yourself based on a single action or event, instead of recognizing that what you do isn’t the same as who you are.
   
   • For example, if you get negative comments back on an essay, you might label yourself a “failure” or a “loser.” Labeling yourself as a “failure” means you feel like you’ll never get any better so you shouldn’t even bother trying. It can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It also makes it very hard for you to accept constructive criticism, because you see any critique as a sign of “failure.”
   • Instead, recognize mistakes and challenges for what they are: specific situations from which you can learn to grow for the future. Instead of labeling yourself a “failure” when you get a bad grade on an essay, acknowledge your errors and think about what you can learn from the experience: “Okay, I didn’t do very well on this essay. That’s disappointing, but it’s not the end of the world. I’ll talk with my teacher about what I can improve for next time.”
4. Recognize and challenge “should statements.” Should statements cause harm because they hold you (and others) to standards that are often unreasonable. They often rely on external ideas rather than things that are truly meaningful to you. When you violate a “should,” you may punish yourself for it, decreasing your motivation for change even further. These ideas can cause guilt, frustration, and anger.
   
   • For example, you might tell yourself, “I should really go on a diet. I shouldn’t be so lazy.” You’re essentially trying to “guilt” yourself into acting, but guilt isn’t a very good motivator.^[20]
   • You can challenge “should” statements by examining what is really going on behind the “should.” For example, do you think you “should” go on a diet because others have told you to? Because you feel pressure from social standards to look a certain way? These are not healthy or helpful reasons to do something.
   • However, if you feel like you “should” go on a diet because you’ve talked with your doctor and agreed it would be good for your health, you can transform your “should” into something more constructive: “I want to take care of my health, so I will take steps like eating more fresh foods to honor myself.” This way, you are not being over-critical towards yourself, rather you are using positive motivation -- and that’s way more effective in the long run.^[21]
   • Should statements can also cause emotional over-sensitivity when you direct them against others. For example, you may get frustrated if you’re having a conversation with someone who doesn’t react the way you want them to. If you tell yourself, “She should be excited about what I’m telling her,” you will be frustrated and very likely hurt if the person doesn’t feel what you’ve told yourself she “should.” Remember that you cannot control others’ feelings or responses. Try to avoid going into situations with others expecting certain actions or reactions.
5. Recognize and challenge emotional reasoning. When you use emotional reasoning, you assume that your feelings are facts. This type of distortion is very common, but with a little work, you can learn to identify and fight back against it.
   
   • For example, you might feel hurt because your boss pointed out some errors in a big project you just completed. If you used emotional reasoning, you might assume that your boss is being unfair because you are having negative feelings. You might assume that because you feel like a “loser,” you are actually a worthless employee. These assumptions don’t have logical evidence.
   • To challenge emotional reasoning, try writing down a few situations where you experience negative emotional reactions. Then, write down the thoughts that went through your mind. Write down the feelings you experienced after you had these thoughts. Finally, examine the actual consequences to the situation. Do they fit with what your emotions told you were the “reality”? You’ll often find that your feelings really weren’t good evidence after all.
6. Recognize and challenge jumping to conclusions. Jumping to conclusions is pretty similar to emotional reasoning. When you jump to conclusions, you latch on to a negative interpretation of a situation without any facts to support your interpretation. In extreme cases, you may catastrophize, where you allow your thoughts to spiral out of control until you reach the worst possible of all scenarios.
   
   • “Mind-reading” is a type of jumping to conclusions that can contribute to emotional over-sensitivity. When you mind-read, you assume that people are reacting negatively to something about you, even when you don’t have any evidence for this.
   • For example, if your partner doesn’t text you back in response to your question about what she’d like for dinner, you may assume that she is ignoring you. You have no evidence that this is the case, but this hasty interpretation can cause you to feel hurt or even angry.
   • Fortune-telling is another type of jumping to conclusions. This happens when you predict that things will turn out badly, regardless of any evidence you may have. For example, you might not even propose a new project at work because you assume that your boss will shoot it down.
   • An extreme form of jumping to conclusions happens when you “catastrophize.” For example, if you don’t get a response text from your partner, you might assume she’s angry with you. You might then jump to the idea that she is avoiding talking with you because she has something to hide, like the fact that she actually doesn’t love you any more. You might then jump to the idea that your relationship is falling apart and that you will end up living alone in your mom’s basement. This is an extreme example, but it demonstrates the kind of logical leaps that can happen when you let yourself jump to conclusions.
   • Challenge mind-reading by talking openly and honestly with people. Don’t approach them from a place of accusations or blame, but ask what’s really going on. For example, you could text your partner, “Hey, is there something going on that you’d like to talk about?” If your partner says no, take her at her word.
   • Challenge fortune-telling and catastrophizing by examining the logical evidence for each step of your thought process. Do you have past evidence for your assumption? Do you observe anything in the current situation that is actual evidence for your thoughts? Often, if you take the time to work through your response step-by-step, you’ll catch yourself making a logical leap that just isn’t supported. With practice, you’ll get better at stopping these leaps.

Taking Action

1. Meditate and practice mindfulness. Meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, can help you manage your responses to emotions.^[22] It can even help improve your brain’s reactivity to stressors.^[23] Mindfulness focuses on acknowledging and accepting your emotions in the moment without judging them. This is very helpful for overcoming emotional over-sensitivity. You can take a class, use a guided online meditation, or learn to ^[24]do mindfulness meditation on your own.^[25]
   
   • Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted or distracted. Sit upright, either on the floor or in a straight-backed chair. Slouching makes it hard to breathe properly.^[26]
   • Begin by focusing on a single element of your breathing, such as the feeling of your chest rising and falling or the sound your breathing makes. Focus on this element for a few minutes as you take deep, even breaths.
   • Expand your focus to include more of your senses. For example, start to focus on what you hear, smell, and touch. It can help you to keep your eyes closed, as we tend to get visually distracted easily.
   • Accept the thoughts and sensations you experience, but don’t judge anything as “good” or “bad.” It can help to consciously acknowledge them as they arise, especially at first: “I am experiencing that my toes are cold. I am having the thought that I’m distracted.”
   • If you feel yourself getting distracted, bring your focus back to your breathing. Spend about 15 minutes in meditation every day.
   • You can find online guided mindfulness meditations from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center^[27] and BuddhaNet^[28].
2. Learn assertive communication. Sometimes, people become over-sensitive because they have not communicated their needs or feelings clearly to others. When you are overly passive in your communication, you have trouble saying “no” and you do not communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly. Learning assertive communication will help you communicate your needs and feelings to others, which may help you feel heard and valued.^[29]
   
   • Use “I”-statements to communicate your feelings, e.g. “I felt hurt when you were late to our date” or “I prefer to leave early for appointments because I feel anxious if I think I might be late.” This avoids sounding like you’re blaming the other person and keeps the focus on your own emotions.
   • Ask follow-up questions when having a conversation. Especially if the conversation is emotionally loaded, asking questions to clarify your understanding will help keep you from overreacting. For example, after the other person has finished speaking, say: “What I heard you say is_____. Is that right?” Then give the other person a chance to clarify.^[30]
   • Avoid “categorical imperatives.” These words, like “should” or “ought,” place a moral judgment on others’ behavior and can feel like you’re being blaming or demanding. Try substituting “I prefer” or “I want you to” instead. For example, instead of “You should remember to take out the trash,” say “I want you to remember to take out the trash because I feel like I have to shoulder all the responsibilities when you forget.”^[31]
   • Kick assumptions to the curb. Don’t assume that you know what’s going on. Invite others to share their thoughts and experiences. Use phrases such as “What do you think?” or “Do you have any suggestions?”
   • Acknowledge that others have different experiences. Fighting over who is “right” in a situation can leave you feeling overstimulated and angry. Emotions are subjective; remember that there is usually no “right” answer involving them. Use phrases such as “My experience is different,” along with acknowledging the other person’s emotions, to make room for everyone’s experiences.
3. Wait to act until you’ve cooled down. Your emotions can interfere with how you respond to situations. Acting in the heat of an emotion may lead you to do things you regret later. Give yourself a break, even if it’s just for a few minutes, before responding to a situation that’s prompted a major emotional response.
   
   • Ask yourself the “If...then” question. “IF I do this right now, THEN what may happen later?” Consider as many consequences -- both positive and negative -- for your action as possible. Then, weigh the consequences against the action.
   • For example, perhaps you just had a very heated argument with your spouse. You are so angry and hurt that you feel like you want to ask for a divorce. Take a time-out and ask yourself the “If...then” question. If you ask for a divorce, what may happen? Your spouse could feel hurt or unloved. S/he may remember it later when both of you have cooled off and see it as a sign s/he cannot trust you when you’re angry. S/he could agree to it in a fight of his/her own anger. Do you want any of these consequences?
4. Approach yourself and others with compassion. You may find yourself avoiding situations that stress you out or feel unpleasant because of your over-sensitivity. You may assume that any mistake in a relationship is a deal-breaker, so you avoid relationships altogether, or only have shallow ones. Approach others (and yourself) with compassion. Assume the best about people, especially those who know you. If your feelings are hurt, don’t assume that it was intentional: show compassionate understanding that everyone, including friends and loved ones, makes mistakes.^[32]
   
   • If you did experience hurt feelings, use assertive communication to express them to your loved one. S/he may not even be aware that s/he hurt you, and if s/he loves you, s/he’ll want to know how to avoid that hurt in the future.
   • Do not criticize the other person. For example, if your friend forgot that you had a lunch date and you felt hurt, don’t approach it by saying “You forgot me and you hurt my feelings.” Instead, say, “I felt hurt when you forgot our lunch date, because spending time together is important to me.” Then follow it up with an invitation to share your friend’s experiences: “Is something going on? Would you like to talk about it?”
   • Remember that others may not always feel like discussing their emotions or experiences, especially if they’re still new or raw. Don’t take it personally if your loved one doesn’t want to talk immediately. It is not a sign that you’ve done anything wrong; s/he just needs some time to process his/her feelings.
   • Approach yourself the way you would a friend whom you love and care for. If you would not say something hurtful or judgmental to a friend, why would you do it to yourself?^[33]
5. Seek professional help if necessary. Sometimes, you can do your best to manage your emotional sensitivities and still feel overwhelmed by them. Working with a licensed mental health professional can help you explore your feelings and responses in a safe, supportive environment. A trained counselor or therapist can help you discover unhelpful ways of thinking and teach you new skills to manage your feelings in healthy ways.^[34]
   
   • Sensitive people may need additional help learning to manage negative emotions and skills to handle emotional situations. This is not necessarily a sign of mental illness, only helping you gain useful skills in negotiating the world.
   • Ordinary people get help from mental health professionals. You do not have to be "mentally ill" or dealing with a devastating issue to get benefit from counselors, psychologists, therapists, or the like. These are health professionals, just as much as dental hygienists, ophthalmologists, general practitioners, or physical therapists. Although mental health treatments are sometimes treated as a taboo issue (rather than arthritis, a cavity, or a sprain) it is something that lots of people get benefit from. ^[35]
   • Some people may also believe that people should just “suck it up” and be strong on their own. This myth can be very damaging. While you should certainly do what you can to work on your emotions on your own, you can also benefit from someone else’s help. Certain disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, can make it physically impossible for a person to deal with their emotions by themself. There is nothing weak about seeking counseling. It shows that you care about yourself.^[36]
   • Most counselors and therapists cannot prescribe medicine. However, a trained mental health professional can know when it may be time to refer you to a specialist or medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication for disorders like depression or anxiety.^[37]
6. High sensitivity may be depression or other issue. Some people are born very sensitive, and it is evident from babyhood. This is not a disorder, mental illness, or something "wrong"--it is a character trait. However, if a person goes from normal sensitivity to very sensitive, "touchy", "weepy", "irritable" or the like, that may be an indication that there is something not quite right.
   
   • Sometimes high sensitivity is a result of depression, and causes a person to be overwhelmed with emotions (both negative and sometimes positive as well).
   • Chemical imbalances can cause high emotional sensitivity. For instance, a pregnant woman may react very emotionally. Or a boy going through puberty. Or a person with a thyroid issue. Some medications or medical treatments can cause emotional changes.
   • A trained medical practitioner should help screen you for depression. It is easy to self-diagnose, but in the end, you are best off with professionals who may be able to figure out if a person is depressed or highly sensitive due to other factors.
7. Be patient. Emotional growth is like physical growth; it takes time, and can feel uncomfortable while it is happening. You will learn through mistakes, which will have to be made. Setbacks or challenges are all necessary in the process.
   
   • Being a very sensitive person is often more difficult as a youth than it is as an older adult. As you mature, you will learn to manage your feelings more effectively, and gain valuable coping skills.
   • Remember, you have to know something really well before you can act on it, otherwise it is like heading into a new area after glancing at a map without understanding the map first - you don’t have enough understanding of the area to be able to travel it well and getting lost is almost certain. Explore the map of your mind, and you’ll have a better understanding of your sensitivities and how to manage them.

Tips

• Compassion for your imperfection eliminates your shame and increases empathy for others.
• Don't feel as if it is always necessary to explain anxieties to everyone to justify actions or emotions. It is perfectly okay to keep them to yourself.
• Challenge negative thoughts. Negative internal dialogue can be very damaging. When you feel yourself becoming overly self-critical think: "How would someone else feel if I said this to them?"
• Emotional triggers are individual in nature. Even if someone you know has the same trigger about the same issue, how it affects you might not affect them the same way. It really is coincidental, not universal.
• Accepting who you are is key to becoming a better version of yourself.

Related wikiHows

• Understand and Develop Insight
• Deal with Emotional Abuse
• Express Your Emotional Pain the Healthy Way
• Stop Emotional Eating
• Be Friends with Someone Emotionally Unable to Be an Equally Supportive Friend

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/how-do-your-genes-influence-levels-emotional-sensitivity
2. ↑ https://www.cmor-faculty.rice.edu/~cox/wrap/norepinephrine.pdf
3. ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271544.php
4. ↑ http://blogs.psychcentral.com/emotionally-sensitive/2015/04/emotional-sensitivity-self-assessment/
5. ↑ http://self-compassion.org/exercise-6-self-compassion-journal/
6. ↑ http://self-compassion.org/exercise-6-self-compassion-journal/
7. ↑ http://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/child-development/understanding-temperament-emotional-sensitivity/
8. ↑ https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/2/4/259/1676806
9. ↑ https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/2/4/259/1676806
10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/signs-of-a-codependent-relationship
11. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-codependency/
12. ↑ http://www.coda.org
13. ↑ http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Yerkes/Law/
14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/overcoming-self-sabotage/201005/avoidance-anxiety-self-sabotage-how-running-away-can-bite-you
15. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/negative-emotions-key-well-being/
16. ↑ [v160987_b01]. 19 May 2019.
17. ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/gg_live/science_meaningful_life_videos/speaker/fred_luskin/the_resolution_of_grief/
18. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/01/20/why-ruminating-is-unhealthy-and-how-to-stop/
19. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/
20. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/
21. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/notes-self/201308/how-set-goals
22. ↑ http://www.mindful.org/how-meditation-helps-with-difficult-emotions/
23. ↑ http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/11/meditations-positive-residual-effects/
24. ↑ [v160987_b01]. 19 May 2019.
25. ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
26. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-courage-be-present/201001/how-practice-mindfulness-meditation
27. ↑ http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22
28. ↑ http://www.buddhanet.net/audio-meditation.htm
29. ↑ http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/exercises/assertiveness-and-nonassertiveness.pdf
30. ↑ http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
31. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201009/feeling-angry-or-guilty-maybe-its-time-stop-shoulding
32. ↑ [v160987_b01]. 19 May 2019.
33. ↑ http://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-ways-to-deal-with-emotional-oversensitivity/
34. ↑ [v160987_b01]. 19 May 2019.
35. ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/psychotherapy-myths.aspx
36. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/9-myths-and-facts-about-therapy/
37. ↑ http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/09/15/who-can-prescribe-antidepressants/

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