How to respond when they say: You're too sensitive

3 comebacks to use when they say you’re too sensitive.

-And it sounds like you’re dismissing how I feel.

This response helps shifts the focus. Instead of  getting defensive about being sensitive, it points out the other person’s behavior – dismissing your feelings. It also directly addresses the core problem – a lack of respect for your emotions while creating an opportunity for a more productive conversation about why you felt the way you did. Overall, this comeback is assertive and keeps the focus on healthy communication.

-What makes you say I’m being too sensitive?

This response makes them explain themselves: it puts the burden of explanation on the other person. They have to clarify what they said that you took too sensitively. This can be disarming because sometimes they might not have thought it through. it also gives you space to understand and buys you time to process what was said and why it might have affected you. It also opens the door for communication and shows you’re willing to listen and understand their perspective, which can lead to a more productive conversation.

-Better too sensitive than insensitive.

This response shifts the focus and takes the focus off of you being defensive and puts it on the value of sensitivity in general. It implies that having feelings and empathy is a good thing. It also directly calls out what they said.

If you need more help with being assertive or communication skills, book a 1:1 with me by heading to the Book a session tab above!

Xo,
Dr. C