Everyone knows at least one person who takes everything personally and often overreacts▼ to situations. However, this person is probably also aware of things around them that others don’t notice. If this sounds like someone you know, there’s a good chance he or she is a highly sensitive person (HSP).
While an HSP sounds like someone who should just lighten up and stop taking everything so seriously, they really can’t help it. Being sensitive is actually part of their brain chemistry▼. Scientists have discovered that around 20% of the world’s population responds more strongly to experiences and emotions. A highly sensitive person will often express much stronger emotions than others. They may laugh, cry, or get angry more easily, and they are inclined to feel annoyed or insulted faster than people who aren’t highly sensitive. Criticism can ruin an HSP’s day, week, or month, while praise can have the opposite effect. Extreme cases also make the person more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. Though they may be very social, many HSPs need quite a lot of time alone, as being around people all the time can be tiring.
Luckily for highly sensitive people, there are a lot of advantages to being an HSP, too. They tend to be hyper-aware▼ of their surroundings and are especially good at understanding how others are thinking and feeling. These traits make them good friends who are excellent listeners and attentive to others’ needs. And of course, they tend to notice things around them that others miss, so they are great at giving advice from a different perspective. Being highly sensitive can make things challenging, but it can also be an advantage. What do you think? Do the pros▼ outweigh▼ the cons?
------------------------------------------------- 1. According to the article, what is true about highly sensitive people?
(A) They tend to overreact to situations.
(B) They have more friends than normal.
(C) They usually work in high-paying jobs.
(D) They prefer to spend time with machines rather than people.
------------------------------------------------- 2. Why are highly sensitive people different?
(A) Highly sensitive people have difficult childhoods.
(B) Others frequently misunderstand what they mean.
(C) They need special glasses to see clearly.
(D) Their brain chemistry is not the same as other people.
------------------------------------------------- 3. What is NOT likely to negatively affect a highly sensitive person?
(A) A crowded party.
(B) Criticism of their work.
(C) A silent room.
(D) Turning on all the lights in the house.
------------------------------------------------- 4. Why are highly sensitive people good at giving advice?
(A) They often notice things that other people miss.
(B) They have larger vocabularies.
(C) They never criticize others.
(D) They always know what others are thinking.
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