Being called “too sensitive” is often just a way for people to dismiss your completely valid reactions.
If something hurts, it hurts, and you don’t need to toughen up just to make someone else more comfortable. A lot of behaviours that get brushed off as “normal” are actually disrespectful, manipulative, or emotionally clumsy. If you’ve ever been made to feel like you’re overreacting, it might be because you were around someone who didn’t want to take responsibility. These are just some of the behaviours you’re absolutely allowed to respond to, and reacting to them doesn’t make you too sensitive. It makes you human.
1. When someone constantly talks over you
Being interrupted all the time can chip away at your sense of worth, especially when it happens in group settings. It sends the message that what you’re saying isn’t important. Feeling irritated or hurt by this isn’t “overly sensitive”—it’s a completely normal reaction to being dismissed or ignored.
2. When people make jokes at your expense
“It was just a joke” is often code for “I wanted to say something unkind without taking any responsibility for it.” If the punchline is always you, it’s not funny—it’s a pattern. You’re allowed to be upset when someone cloaks cruelty in humour. That doesn’t make you overly sensitive. It makes you aware of your own dignity.
3. When someone gives you the silent treatment
The silent treatment isn’t just about space—it’s a power move. It creates confusion, self-doubt, and emotional distance that can be hard to name but easy to feel. Reacting to that kind of emotional withdrawal is healthy. It means you’re noticing when someone is trying to punish or manipulate you without saying a word.
4. When people dismiss your boundaries as “dramatic”
If someone tells you your limits are over the top, what they often mean is: “Your boundaries make things less convenient for me.” It’s not sensitive to protect your emotional well-being. It’s called having self-respect. And if someone can’t handle that, that’s on them, not you.
5. When someone changes plans last minute without caring
Everyone has to reschedule sometimes. But when someone constantly flakes or changes plans without considering your time, it feels disrespectful. Getting frustrated by this isn’t petty. It’s a response to being treated like your time doesn’t matter, which it absolutely does.
6. When you’re left out of things repeatedly
Being excluded hurts, even when people act like it’s not a big deal. Whether it’s intentional or careless, repeated exclusion can trigger feelings of shame and rejection. You’re not weak for noticing when you’re left out. You’re noticing a pattern. And it’s okay to feel hurt by that.
7. When someone keeps interrupting your alone time
Just because you’re free doesn’t mean you’re available. Having your quiet time interrupted, especially by people who expect immediate attention, can be deeply draining. Feeling annoyed or overwhelmed when someone invades your space is a sign that your nervous system needs room to breathe, not that you’re too sensitive.
8. When people constantly downplay your accomplishments
“It’s not that impressive,” “Anyone could’ve done that”—those kinds of remarks can feel like little pinpricks. On their own, they might seem harmless. Eventually, they wear you down. You’re allowed to want recognition. You’re allowed to be proud of yourself. You’re not overreacting for wanting that to be respected.
9. When someone always finds a way to make it about them
Emotional one-upping, where someone always moves the conversation back to themselves, can leave you feeling invisible. It’s exhausting, and it’s valid to be affected by it. Your emotions don’t need to be louder than someone else’s to deserve space. Feeling small in those moments is a normal reaction, not a weakness.
10. When people act like you’re difficult for expressing a need
If your needs are always met with an eye-roll or a sigh, you might start questioning whether you’re too demanding. But expressing a need isn’t a burden—it’s part of being in healthy relationships. You deserve connection where your needs aren’t treated like an inconvenience. Responding to neglect isn’t being sensitive—it’s being emotionally awake.
11. When someone talks to you with passive-aggressive jabs
Backhanded comments, guilt trips, or subtle digs that are “technically not mean” still sting. And they’re often designed to leave you unsure if you’re even allowed to be upset. You don’t have to decode someone’s behaviour to justify your reaction. If it feels off, it probably is. You’re allowed to trust that instinct.
12. When people minimise your pain because they “meant well”
Intent doesn’t erase impact. Just because someone didn’t mean to hurt you doesn’t mean they didn’t. Having a reaction doesn’t make you overly emotional—it makes you real. Therapy speak and vague apologies don’t cancel out harm. You can acknowledge someone’s good intentions and still hold them accountable.
13. When people guilt you for saying no
Whether it’s subtle guilt-tripping or outright pressure, being made to feel bad for saying no is a red flag. A healthy dynamic doesn’t punish someone for having limits. You’re not wrong for feeling uneasy when someone reacts poorly to your “no.” That discomfort is a sign, not an overreaction.
14. When someone constantly compares you to other people
“Why can’t you be more like them?” might sound casual, but it cuts deep. Being compared to other people, even playfully, can trigger feelings of not being good enough. Reacting to that is completely natural. You’re not being sensitive—you’re recognising that love shouldn’t come with a scoreboard.
15. When someone makes you question your version of reality
Gaslighting isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtle—questioning your memory, twisting conversations, or acting like you’re imagining things. If you feel confused, unsure, or like you’re “too sensitive” for bringing things up, that’s worth paying attention to. Your reactions are a valid part of the truth. Don’t let anyone erase them.
You’re not too sensitive for wanting respect, safety, and genuine connection. The people who try to convince you otherwise are often the ones who benefit from you staying quiet. Speak up anyway.
