Would you rather be a happy pig, or an unhappy human?
Supposedly, Aristotle said this.
I started reading the Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron. I'm excited as it seems to be the foundational text on this trait that I'm pretty sure I have.
Growing up, I was always told I was too sensitive. I'd notice things that others don't. And often have a sixth sense about how things would pan out (and it would creep me out if I can't seem to stop the metaphorical train that is about to derail!)
I get super hangry. I can tell everyone's relationship in the room, almost as soon as I step in (even if they are strangers). It really is a strange situation.
My Mum recalls me telling her at a young age, that I get happier than most and I feel sadder than most. So please don't tell me not to cry because that's just how I am.
Elaine makes the case that there are positives to this trait. She thinks it's present in other species, and there's around 15 - 30% of us out there amongst the population with this trait - so it might come in handy from an evolutionary perspective to keep us safe?
She presents it as a neutral trait mostly. And that Aristotle quote is to make sense of our depth of processing. And whether thinking so much about the world (with all it's problems) is good or bad.
To me it's similar to giving birth. I didn't want any pain relief, unless medically required. Not because I was trying to be some hero, or that I liked pain in particular. But because I want to give everything a try. and I wanted to feel what it would feel like. Experience everything worth experiencing at least once? There's something very human about it.