Ask Dali Mama

DEAR DALI MAMA: 

I am a very sensitive person. When I’m around family or friends or even people I don’t know very well, I often feel what they’re feeling. When they’re not feeling happy, I start feeling anxious, like maybe it’s my fault or that I did something or said something to make them feel that way. Do you have any advice for me?

–Easily Anxious (United States)

DEAR EASILY ANXIOUS:

You’re not alone. That is very common for sensitive people.

I suggest you start training yourself to focus on how you feel. This is hard for sensitive people, particularly for clairsentients who can often feel in their body how others are feeling.

Also, keep in mind that people often have feelings (insecurity, invalidation, anger, pain, etc.) that have nothing to do with you. Give them space to feel whatever they’re feeling and just pay attention to how you feel and do whatever you need to in order to keep your spirits up. This will model behavior that will ultimately help others as well.

I wish you much ease.