Things I wish People Knew About Me

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Sometimes we tend to make assumptions about people without even really knowing them. We assume their social media and job defines who they are and immediately they are put in that “category” no matter what it may be. We all have stereotypes and all too often misjudge people. I’ll be honest and say, I don’t even know how many times in my life I’ve gotten the, “Wow, I had no idea you were like this, I assumed you were…” statement. So today I’m rounding up all the things I wish people knew about me.

I am a HIGHLY sensitive person. For as long as I can remember my parents used to always say I was too sensitive. I take everything to heart. I notice everything, care about people’s feelings and I’d like to believe I think deeply before I speak. I am very tuned-in to emotions and my emotions REALLY get to me. In fact, I feel like I all too often absorb the emotions of others whether I want to or not.

Parties exhaust me. I’m not what anyone would call a party animal. Loud music, people moving in every direction, and shouting to be heard — it’s just too much. Sure I’ve had my phase but that was very short lived and I’ll be honest – I’m not sure I ever liked it. As a highly sensitive person, I process everything in the room much more deeply so everything seems “louder” and more in-your-face which I have a hard time coping with. Some people may find me boring or call me a grandma, but hey that’s who I am.

I actually strive for alone time. I get incredibly overwhelmed easily so I tend to need more alone time than some other people. I never want to offend anyone so I used to put myself in situations I didn’t want but I started to learn as I got older that it’s OK to be who you are and only YOU know what is best for you and when you feel happiest. Time to myself is essential. It always sounds weird to those who are very much stimulated by the presence of others but me – I’m just different. Sometimes I need some space to process and recharge my batteries and it usually has nothing to do with anyone else. If you know what I mean, then you know. If you don’t quite get it, then I’m not sure how to explain it. I am not lonely, I am not shy, I’m not a shell and I’m not mad or hiding from the world. When I spend time alone, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I’m honestly at peace and loving every minute of it.

I am the most emotional person you will ever meet. Everything. I mean every single little thing results in an emotion reaction in me. Being an introvert, I don’t necessarily express it, but I have to think through how I feel about something before I can look at what I think about something. I easily get frustrated over simple problems. I actually remember my dad always telling me when I get worked up, “Olia, you need to relax there is nothing big happening that is going wrong. All these problems can be fixed.” But I take them to another level, haha!

On that note, I cry easily. Over everything. I literally cried in Free Willie. I mean, that’s bad. I can cry if someone writes me something kind or someone shows me a photo of their dog. It’s actually very disturbing how much of a crier I am. I’ve learned to suppress this (some of the time) when I’m with people who would think I’m crazy but the truth is, as a highly sensitive person, I just feel all emotions. . If there’s a sensitive person in your life, let them cry without making them feel ridiculous. Just sayin..

My best qualities can also be my greatest weaknesses and as difficult as it is to admit, I struggle with a lot that people don’t know about me including even confidence. This isn’t a message to get people to feel sorry for me, rather it is a way to inspire others to see life isn’t perfect no matter your career or social media may seem to be. Being sensitive and embracing who you are is a gift I choose to believe and I was blessed with being the person I am and living the life I’m so lucky to have.

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Top: Bella Dahl // Pants: Alice + Olivia // Sunglasses: Quay // Shoes: Sam Edelman