Hi all,

I know of Elaine Aron and her research on being a Highly Sensitive Person (In my case, Highly Sensitive Male). I want to enjoy the "gifts" of HSP, I truly do, but for most of my life it has been a burden, especially now, at 23 years old.

I can't stand loud noises and overstimulation, and I respond heavily to the feelings of others. So these things make two aspects of my life very difficult- finding meaningful work, and meeting women (particularly, falling in love, though I'd take the sex too).

I really don't know what to do at this point. My college degree in Graphic Design is useless, and I just would want to be an artist. But needless to say, being a painter is practically impossible without supplementing it with something else. And I simply don't know what that thing would be.

Being shy and sensitive to noise, it's difficult as it is to meet girls. But to be unemployed and living at home on top of it? It's unbearable. The noises of my parents alone drive me crazy.

I've also spent the last two years practically in tears because of a heartbreak from my former lover. I guess to put it lightly, I've just been at a loss of how to find myself...where I want to be- what I want to be doing. But maybe future love would make things better- I'm open to it and I'm beginning to acknowledge other girls as greater prospects. But it's just so hard right now- even feel ok about what happened with this last one.

Anyway, I would really appreciate some advice from y'all, or even just some encouragement!