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What to do when told "you're too sensitive"

被说"你太敏感了"怎么办

The Situation

You express a concern or discomfort, and instead of being heard, you're told you're "too sensitive," "overreacting," or "taking things too seriously."

What's Actually Happening

This is a dismissal tactic. Instead of addressing your concern, they're attacking your right to have the concern. It shifts the problem from their behavior to your reaction, making you the problem.

Why You Feel This Way

You start questioning whether your feelings are valid

You feel ashamed for having normal emotional responses

You begin censoring yourself to avoid being "too much"

You lose trust in your own judgment

The Most Important Thing Right Now

Your feelings are data, not defects. If something bothers you, that information is valid regardless of how others label it.

Your First Step

Stop defending your sensitivity

The moment you try to prove you're "not too sensitive," you've accepted their frame. Your emotional responses don't need justification.

Instead of: "I'm not being sensitive, you actually did hurt me!" Try: "I'm telling you how I feel. You can take that seriously or not."

What To Do Next

Name the pattern

Call out what they're doing: dismissing instead of listening.

"You're changing the subject from what I said to how I said it."

Set a boundary

Make it clear you won't engage with dismissal.

"If you're going to dismiss my feelings, this conversation is over."

Document it

Keep track of these incidents. Patterns reveal manipulation.

Find validation elsewhere

Talk to people who respect emotions. Their perspective will help you stay grounded.

When To Consider Leaving

If someone consistently dismisses your feelings instead of addressing them, you're not in a relationship—you're being managed. Consider whether this person respects you at all.

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