The Highly Sensitive Social Hangover: Moving Past the Aftermath
Have you ever experienced the social hangover? As a highly sensitive person, you may find it challenging to navigate situations where you feel you've made a mistake or offended someone. That lingering heaviness and worry can be frustrating and difficult to shake off. But fear not, my sensitive friend, you are not alone in this experience. Here are some tips to help you move forward:
Show Yourself Kindness: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would extend to others. Remind yourself that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that it's okay to have different viewpoints. Release the harsh self-judgment and offer yourself understanding and forgiveness.
Seek External Perspective: Sometimes, we need an outside perspective to help us see the situation more objectively. Reach out to someone you trust and discuss the incident with them. They can provide valuable insights and help you assess if any apologies or repairs are necessary. Often, letting go of the situation is the best course of action, but it's important to gain clarity from a trusted source.
Embrace the Overthinking Brain: Understand that as a highly sensitive person, your brain may fixate and go down rabbit holes, magnifying the perceived danger or problem. Recognize that these thoughts and emotions are a product of your sensitivity, but they don't necessarily reflect reality. Practice diffusion techniques, such as imagining your thoughts on leaves drifting away in a stream, to detach from them and create space for more balanced thinking.
Remember Others Aren't Dwelling on It: Remind yourself that you are likely thinking about the situation much more than anyone else involved. Challenge the tendency to ruminate and overanalyze. When worrisome thoughts resurface, acknowledge them without judgment and let them pass like waves in the sea. Recognize that emotions fade over time, and this too shall pass.
The highly sensitive social hangover is just a temporary state, and you have the resilience to overcome it. Be kind to yourself, try these techniques, and know that you are not alone in this experience. If you would like to receive counseling or coaching support as you navigate these challenges, please feel free to reach out. I would be honored to hold the space to support you online or in my practice in Amsterdam.
Take care, sensitive one, and remember that you have the strength to overcome the social hangover.
Warm wishes,
Tekin Meric, MSc
Counselor & Coach
If you would like to receive counseling or coaching support as you navigate your life issues, please feel free to reach out. I would be honored to hold a space for you online or in my practice in Amsterdam.
