Virginia Is For Families

Why is it always a black day when the stock market tanks or people are buried underneath their fellow shoppers at Walmut?  I like the color black.  And if I was black I would probably like it even more.  It would irritate me to have  a really bad day associated with my beautiful skin.  Because I’m a sensitive person.

So from now on it’s going to be Purple Friday around here.  And if the stock market tanks AGAIN it’s going to be WHITE WITH FRIGHT Friday.   Or GREEN THIS IS SO OBSCENE Wednesday.

If something really good happens (and it could let’s not forget)  it’s going to be YELLOW I”M A HAPPY FELLOW Saturday.  Because I like to associate Saturday with good stuff.  Like sleeping late or going out and partying in the evening or having some eye to eye contact with the one I love.

I am reading this book called The Highly Sensitive Person/ How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron.  It is available from Amazon.com for just a few clam shells.

Here’s the test at the beginning of the book to determine if you are a highly sensitive person (HSP).  If you answer yes to 12 or more questions you. . . . .may be. . . . ..a highly sensitive person.

I seem to be aware of subtleties in my environment

Other people’s moods affect me.

I tend to be very sensitive to pain.

I find myself needing to withdraw during busy days into bed or into a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation.

I am particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine.

I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics or sirens close by.

I have a rich, complex inner life.

I am made uncomfortable by loud noises.

I am deeply moved by the arts or music.

I am conscientious.

I startle easily.

I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time.

When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating).

I am annoyed when peoople try to get me to do too many things at once.

I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things.

I make it a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows.

I become unpleasantly aroused when a lot is going on around me.

Being very hungry creates a strong reaction in me disrupting my concentration or mood.

Changes in my life shake me up.

I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art.

I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations.

When I must compete or be observed while performing a task I become so nervous and shaky that I do much worse than I would otherwise.

When I was a child my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive or shy.

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So take the test if you like and let me know how you did.  I definitely qualify based on this criteria.  And I may refer to this book from time to time as we go along down the road.