Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) process sensory data more deeply and thoroughly due to a trait found in 20-30% of the population, known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).
This sensitivity can manifest in heightened emotional responses, greater empathy, and an increased awareness of environmental subtleties.
When you learn you’re a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), you can benefit a lot from being in places where you can meet other Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) like you.
Finding HSPs can be valuable in various contexts, such as finding a supportive community, creating empathetic relationships, or simply understanding and appreciating the diversity of our experiences.
This post explores some of the best places and strategies to find other Highly Sensitive People.
Discover the Best Places to Meet Other Highly Sensitive People
1. Online Communities and Forums
The digital age has made it easier than ever for people with specific traits and interests to connect.
Online communities and forums dedicated to HSPs provide a safe and supportive environment for sensitive individuals to share their experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who understand their unique challenges and strengths.
Popular Platforms:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/hsp are bustling hubs where HSPs discuss topics ranging from coping strategies to sharing personal stories. This sub has 70K members, so you’re bound to find someone you can relate to.
- Facebook Groups: Numerous Facebook groups cater to HSPs, providing a space for discussion, support, and community building.
- Dedicated Communities: Online communities such as Sensitive Empowerment, The Haven, and Are You Highly Sensitive (AYHS) provide discussion forums, support groups, and resources specifically for HSPs.
- Discord: If you’re on Discord and looking for a server to connect with fellow HSPs, the r/hsp subreddit has an active Discord server with over 500 members.
These platforms are great places to meet other Highly Sensitive People, especially if you just learned you’re a Highly Sensitive Person.
2. HSP-Specific Events and Workshops
Attending events and workshops designed for Highly Sensitive People can be an excellent way to meet others who share this trait. These gatherings often focus on personal development, coping strategies, and leveraging sensitivity as a strength.
Types of Events:
- Retreats: Many organizations and individuals host retreats in tranquil settings where HSPs can relax, connect, and engage in activities tailored to their needs. Examples include the annual HSP Gathering Retreat by Jacquelyn Strickland, the September and June retreats by Highly Sensitive Humans, and these retreats by Melissa Noel Renzi.
- Workshops: Sessions on topics like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-care are common at HSP events.
- Meetups: Local and online meetups provide a more casual environment for HSPs to gather and share experiences. Examples include the HSP Resilience Circle with Melissa Noel Renzi, Thriving at the Riverbank with Candy Crawford, HSP Discussion Groups with Dr. Jadzia Jagiellowicz and HSP Men’s Group with William Allen.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation Groups
Mindfulness and meditation practices are particularly appealing to Highly Sensitive People due to their focus on inner awareness and stress reduction. Joining a mindfulness or meditation group can be a great way to meet other Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) who are drawn to these calming practices.
Popular Venues:
- Yoga Studios: Many yoga classes incorporate mindfulness and attract HSPs seeking a holistic approach to well-being. Online options include yoga membership classes with Christie Rosen or these Friday classes with Melissa Noel Renzi.
- Meditation Centers: Places dedicated to meditation often host regular group sessions and workshops.
- Mindfulness Meetups: Local and online groups focused on mindfulness practices can be found through platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite.Com. Look for meetups designed for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) like you.
4. Creative and Artistic Communities
HSPs often have a deep appreciation for the arts and a strong creative drive. Engaging with creative communities can be a fruitful way to connect with sensitive individuals who express their inner worlds through art, music, writing, and other creative outlets.
Creative Spaces:
- Art Classes and Workshops: Community centres, art schools, and local artists often offer classes that attract sensitive and creative individuals.
- Writers’ Groups: Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for HSPs, and joining a writers’ group can provide both creative inspiration and camaraderie. Check out The Deep Well – an online writing group for HSP men, and The Compassionate Pen – a writing community for HSP women and empaths.
- Music Circles: Whether through informal jam sessions or organized music therapy groups, musical environments often resonate with HSPs.
5. Volunteer and Advocacy Groups
Highly Sensitive People frequently feel a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help others. Volunteering for causes you care about can be a meaningful way to meet other Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) to connect with like-minded individuals who share your sensitivity and compassion.
Common Volunteer Opportunities:
- Animal Shelters: Working with animals can be particularly rewarding for HSPs due to their empathetic nature.
- Mental Health Organizations: Volunteering for mental health advocacy groups can connect HSPs with others who understand and support emotional well-being.
- Environmental Groups: Many HSPs feel a deep connection to nature and may be drawn to environmental conservation efforts.
6. Holistic Health and Wellness Centers
HSPs often seek out holistic approaches to health and wellness to support their sensitive systems. Centres that offer services like acupuncture, Reiki, and other alternative therapies can be great places to meet other HSPs who prioritize their well-being.
Holistic Centres Examples:
- Acupuncture Clinics: The gentle and restorative nature of acupuncture can appeal to HSPs seeking balance and harmony.
- Reiki Circles: Energy healing practices like Reiki are often embraced by sensitive individuals.
- Natural Health Stores: Stores that focus on natural and organic products may host events and workshops that attract HSPs.
7. Educational Environments and Libraries
Highly Sensitive People often have a deep love of learning and a keen intellect. Educational environments, such as universities, community colleges, bookstores, and libraries, can be ideal places to find HSPs engaged in lifelong learning and intellectual exploration.
Educational Settings:
- Lecture Series: Universities and community centres frequently host lectures and seminars that attract intellectually curious HSPs.
- Book Clubs: Libraries and bookstores often organize book clubs, providing a structured yet relaxed environment for discussion. You can also try online options like the Built to Move and Parenting Sensitivity book clubs hosted by Alane Freund
- Adult Education Classes: Continuing education programs offer a variety of classes that appeal to HSPs looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
8. Nature and Outdoor Groups
Highly Sensitive People often feel rejuvenated by spending time in nature. Outdoor activities and nature groups provide a serene environment where HSPs can connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the calming and restorative effects of the natural world.
Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking Clubs: Joining a local hiking club can offer HSPs both physical exercise and the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.
- Bird Watching Groups: Bird watching combines quiet observation with an appreciation for the natural world, making it a perfect activity for HSPs.
- Gardening Communities: Community gardens and horticultural societies provide a peaceful space for HSPs to connect with nature and each other.
9. Spiritual and Religious Communities
Many Highly Sensitive People have a rich inner life and seek spiritual or religious communities that resonate with their values and beliefs. Spirituality can provide a sense of purpose and connection, and religious or spiritual groups can offer a supportive community for HSPs.
Spiritual Environments:
- Meditation Groups: Spiritual centres that focus on meditation and inner peace often attract HSPs.
- Churches and Temples: Religious institutions that emphasize compassion, community service, and introspection can be welcoming to HSPs.
- Spiritual Retreats: Retreats focused on spiritual growth and self-discovery provide a nurturing environment for sensitive individuals. These retreats are a great place to start.
10. Quiet Cafes and Tea Houses
HSPs often seek out quiet, cosy cafes and tea houses where they can enjoy solitude or connect with others in a calm setting. These spaces offer a relaxing atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversations.
- Independent cafes: Small, quiet cafes often have a welcoming and tranquil ambience.
- Tea houses: The ritual of tea can be a soothing experience, and tea houses typically provide a peaceful environment.
Final Word on Places to Meet Other Highly Sensitive People
Meeting other Highly Sensitive People can enhance personal relationships, create supportive communities, and foster environments where sensitivity is embraced as a strength.
Whether through online platforms, creative spaces, mindfulness practices, or nature groups, there are numerous places where HSPs naturally gather.
By understanding where HSPs tend to congregate, you can identify the best places to go to connect and learn as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
You can also find the resources you need to thrive with High Sensitivity by leveraging what has worked for others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Meeting Other Highly Sensitive People
Where are Highly Sensitive People most likely to be found?
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are often found in serene, nurturing environments such as nature retreats, yoga and meditation centres, bookstores, and quiet cafes. They also frequent places that cater to creativity, personal growth, and community support.
What activities attract Highly Sensitive People?
Activities that attract HSPs include nature walks, yoga and meditation, reading, artistic endeavours, and attending workshops or retreats focused on personal development and well-being. HSPs also enjoy quiet, reflective activities and volunteering in empathetic roles.
Are there online communities for Highly Sensitive People?
Yes, there are numerous online communities for HSPs, including forums and social media groups where they can connect, share experiences, and find support. These online spaces provide a platform for HSPs to engage with others who understand their unique traits and needs.
Why do Highly Sensitive People prefer quiet environments?
Highly Sensitive People prefer quiet environments because they are more susceptible to overstimulation from noise, crowds, and chaotic settings. Quiet spaces allow HSPs to recharge, process their thoughts and emotions, and maintain their well-being.
What kind of support groups are available for Highly Sensitive People?
There are support groups specifically designed for HSPs that focus on their unique experiences and needs. These groups provide a safe space for sharing challenges and strategies for managing sensitivity. Therapy sessions with professionals who understand the HSP trait are also available.
