When I say HSP, you probably imagine a delicious meat and chip based meal (or a Halal Snack Pack for short). What you may not know is HSP also stands for Highly Sensitive Person, a term coined by Dr. Elaine Aron to refer someone who has heightened sensitivity both physically and emotionally.

I’m lucky enough to be part of this estimated 20 per cent of people, who process things on a deeper level than most. With this in mind, here are just six things I think you should know about dating a HSP.

#1 Sometimes We Need “Me Time”

I used to tell my boyfriend that I just needed some space at times, and understandably he would sometimes be offended, thinking I just wanted to be away from him. That wasn’t the case at all! We can get overwhelmed easily (even when we’re just at home). We enjoy our own company, and we can also become emotionally exhausted after long days.

Author and psychotherapist, Ilse Sand, writes in her book Highly Sensitive People in an Insensitive World: How to Create a Happy Life, “When I speak to highly sensitive people who are in relationships, the often tell me how they struggle to find enough time and space to be on their own”.

We can get easily exhausted at parties and other places that we enjoy being because there’s so much going on. Sand explains, “the inputs we receive go deeper into our system… our ‘hard drive’ is quickly filled and we will feel over-stimulated”.

Sometimes HSPs need a bit of space and time alone to just be and recharge. It’s nothing personal.

#2 We Are Often Quite In Tune With Your Emotions

A large benefit of being a HSP is that we are often able to pick up on how other people feel, and we can empathise. If you need a shoulder to cry on, someone to listen or someone to laugh with, we are there. However, it also means that we can typically sense if you’re hiding something, or being dishonest. My tip? Always be honest and always communicate openly.

#3 We Get Stressed Easily

OK, so we all get stressed. However, HSPs can find themselves experiencing stress more intensely or more frequently. For this reason, I love to be organised – in fact not being organised stresses me out. We also typically overthink things, and can often feel bad when we don’t necessarily need to – this can stress us out even more.

If your partner gets super stressed over seemingly small things, don’t judge them, just try to help them through it as best you can.

#4 We’re Creative

Anything involving creativity and I’m there. As Sand explains, “It does not take much to inspire us”. . So try to embrace you partner’s creative side, whether it be painting, writing, dancing, or even taking in nature, and I’m sure they would love you to get involved.

#5 It’s Important To Learn What Things We’re Sensitive To

Imagine having your sense of taste and smell dialled up a bit – It’s great for good smells and tastes, not so great for bad ones. As a HSP, when my boyfriend would change to a new cologne or wear more than usual, it was sometimes difficult for me to be around.

Everyone is different, but by talking about how your partner experiences different things, you will be able to ensure they are feeling comfortable.

#6 We Love Deeply

Like most emotions, we experience love intensely. Treasure this.