How to handle sensitive individuals.

Many people are very sensitive. It's a positive trait if it means being thoughtful and sympathetic in relation to the feelings of others.

The trouble is, some get overly emotional when they don't get the attention that they expected. They easily feel hurt, rejected or offended with remarks, which they consider as criticisms. They get annoyed when people break their personal rules.

It's a challenge when you have to take extra care in what you say or do with this type of individuals. It's easy to brush him off if he is just an acquaintance. But having to live with one is a difficult task.

Other than being understanding, you got to have patience when dealing with sensitive people.

What can you do to help this type of individuals at work and back home?

• Without them realizing it, overly sensitive people have low self-esteem. Before you can make him aware, you need to develop understanding and trust in the relationship. Don't say what you don't mean and don't beat around the bush. When you are able to do this, it's easier to get your message across and influence him to improve.

• Become an attentive listener. Try to understand how he sees, thinks and feels. You will gain his respect and also understand his motives.

• Show him a few examples of how his attitude and behavior have driven away his friends or family members. Tell him what would become of his children when they grow up if they look up upon his as a role model and emulate him.

• Don't instill more self-hatred in him. Help him relax and reflect. Let him realize what has become his focus of attention.

• Encourage him to listen and pause before reacting to situations or people. Let him realize of his pains from being too touchy. Assist him in finding and seeing the positive.

• Help him set a personal goal to improve one area of his life and to start it with overcoming his sensitivity. Tell him what he will gain when he succeeds and what it would make him feel if he remains the same.

• Let him imagine being in someone else's shoes. Tell him to feel what others would feel when they are faced with a person who is so emotionally unstable and need constant approval.

• Try to make him understand that everybody has his point of views and it doesn't matter who is right. What's important for him to know is part of living is dealing with people and everyone needs each other.

• Encourage him to talk about his strengths. Let him notice his accomplishments. He needs to realize that he is a capable person and don't have to compare himself to anyone.

If you happen to have this personality trait, check the suggestions given above and work on yourself. Think of how it affects those people that you care. Think also of how it has affected your life.

If you care, you should make the effort.

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