Work, Keeping It Superficial

The work environment is very different than any personal environment we're in.  The interpersonal communications are different as well.  For the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP, empath), it can be a minefield.  People don't communicate what they feel but communicate what is necessary for the job and to maintain work relationships.  That's the problem.  A work relationship is much different than a personal relationship.  You talk to people, you know how they work, and you work with them, but you don't know them or who they really are.  So that's what your interpersonal communication has to operate in.  Let's see how this poses problems for the HSP and what can be done.  These are general suggestions based on my own experience.

Try not to be too personal.  This is probably the worst problem to overcome with the HSP.  We tend to pick up the nuances in behavior and in brain waives.  We pickup so much information that we can be intimidating to anyone we work with.  It's better to keep that information under your hat.  We also like to know about people and like to interact with people on a personal level.  We have to restrain ourselves from that preference.  It's best to keep communications to a minimal and with light meaning.  That's hard.  We like to get to the root of things and tend to dislike the superficial conversations.  Some of us are even extroverts and like to converse a lot, others, are introverts and like to communicate meaningful things.  The key here is to keep emotional distance from co-workers.  You have to work with everyone and not everyone appreciates personal communication from people like us.

In a work environment it's common to be made fun of.  When this happens to you as an HSP, try to not react to it.  It's considered light fun though it may not feel like it at the time.  Certain characters will take it to the extreme, and it's better not to give them any fuel.  If you can, just find an exit.  It's not worth staying in an environment that is emotionally hostile.  Don't react in kind.  You really want to put your best foot forward.  When you give respect you get respect, but it takes time.

We talked about what not to do.  Now let's talk about what to do with all that pent up energy we absorb at the workplace as HSPs.  Here is what I recommend to do several times during the workday.  Take 4 deep breaths, and with each exhale, use some intent (manifestation, or will) to push out the energy you've absorbed.  Then, reason your current situation at work.  This will help bring down the anxiety level.  You can also be diligent about taking breaks.  Make sure you talk to your supervisor about breaks.  This will help establish your needs with your boss.  You can establish your needs with your coworkers by the way you act.  If you do it vocally, some people will try to argue with you.  You need to avoid arguments.  Anytime you have a serious problem, go to your supervisor.  There are no real friends at work.

For HSPs, the work environment can be naturally hostile.  Knowing how to be reserved and knowing how what to do is important to keep you job.  Eventually, your coworkers will get used to you and move on their attention to something else.  When a new person comes in, you may want to revisit your ways of being reserved.  Jobs are scarce.  It's best to keep yours.