I agree that if not careful the term can be misapplied and used maliciously. I'm not sure how great the scale itself actually is, I think someone with extreme sensitivity to criticism or anxiety could potentially score high here. I just think the concept is interesting because I've definitely come across people like this in real life, who seem to use their introversion or highly sensitive/empathic tendencies pridefully in a way that separates and elevates them above other people. So they may in fact be very sensitive, but there's an underlying arrogance to that sensitivity in that they view themselves as deeper or more profound than others because of it. And if you view yourself as on a higher plane than other people, how empathetic and understanding are you actually? If all you ever do is claim these empathic/highly sensitive traits without actually stepping outside of yourself to benefit others, what good are they? They essentially become badges of honor that are used to counter that hypersensitivity and raise your own self-worth.
Lemme just find this out as a very highly sensitive person. XD
I can become entirely absorbed in thinking about my personal affairs, my health, my cares or my relations to others. - 4
My feelings are easily hurt by ridicule or the slighting remarks of others. - 5
When I enter a room I often become self-conscious and feel that the eyes of others are upon me. - 2, usually doesn't happen till I am more established in a group and am getting left out.
I dislike sharing the credit of an achievement with others. - 1. But if the person did absolutely nothing and is trying to claim credit my caring goes to a 5 because they don't get credit for nothin!
I feel that I have enough on my hand without worrying about other people's troubles. - 1.
I feel that I am temperamentally different from most people. - 5.
I often interpret the remarks of others in a personal way. - 5
I easily become wrapped up in my own interests and forget the existence of others. - 3, depends what kinda mood I'm in tbh.
I dislike being with a group unless I know that I am appreciated by at least one of those present. - I guess I'd say 3 because I am going to assume "appreciated" means "liked". If I am not liked in a social group for an extended period eventually the interaction will bug me enough to exit. But I have also left groups freely when I know a person or two likes me just because I lose interest, or maybe there's someone there that gives me such a negative reaction I'm not gonna get in the midst again.
I am secretly "put out" or annoyed when other people come to me with their troubles, asking me for their time and sympathy. - 2. Depends how they act. I have a couple friends who want advice for simpler things, then make excuses to not do any of it, or you try to converse with them and they get very arrogant. but for the most part I am not. I actually find it an important part of relationships.
I am jealous of good-looking people. - 1. I don't struggle with jealousy.
I tend to feel humiliated when criticized. - 5
I wonder why other people aren't more appreciative of my good qualities. - 1. actually my usual question is wondering what I do that's so defective that most people dislike me. I question if my good qualities ARE ACTUALLY good qualities.
I tend to see other people as being either great or terrible. - 5
I sometimes have fantasies about being violent without knowing why. - 1. I know exactly why I'd kill people I fantasize killing
I am especially sensitive to success and failure. - 5
I have problems that nobody else seems to understand. - 3. I think sometimes they don't get it and sometimes they do.
I try to avoid rejection at all costs. - 3. I used to be a 5 on this but I have slowly began giving less fucks.
My secret thoughts, feelings, and actions would horrify some of my friends. - 2? I think they'd see the logic in my darker thoughts.
I tend to become involved in relationships in which I alternately adore and despise the other person. - 5. But I also have this issue called codependency so I end up a lot of times in these relationships where people are "porcupines" as my therapist always said...they pull you in then prick you, pull you in and prick you, push pull games. It is extremely draining.
Even when I am in a group of friends, I often feel very alone and uneasy. - 2. Depends the friend group and my mood. Usually if my friend made me feel that alone in a group, I realized they weren't my friend at all.
I resent others who have what I lack. - um 1. I admire those who have what I lack and I look for their wisdom when they offer it.
Defeat or disappointment usually shame or anger me, but I try not to show it. - 5
total: 61
