Have you noticed how people can be in the same family, yet have very different experiences of each other?

One person sees their mum as controlling and micromanaging.

Their sibling is similarly exasperated but somehow manages to get along with mum just fine.

One person remembers every good deed they ever did for a sibling going back decades, and feels resentful that the latter doesn’t seem to reciprocate.

The sibling feels that they have long reciprocated the initial kindness that was shown, so they don’t ‘owe’ the other anything.

This is the drama that goes on in (probably) every family, community, country.

Someone feels unseen, unheard, unnoticed, unappreciated.

They make up a story about themselves (“I’m the victim here, I have no power, no one listens to me”).

They make up a story about others (“It’s their fault, they are always like that, people always treat them better”).

They make up a story about Life (“Life is hard, life is unfair, things are getting worse all the time”).

That’s where being introverted and highly sensitive can be your strengths.

By nature, you are wired to be the observer.

You are able to distance yourself (admittedly it’s sometimes difficult if you’re caught up in the conflict), to notice and observe the patterns, the nuances, the body language, to read between the lines.

You bring a calm, quiet energy that acts as a counterbalance to chaos and conflict.

When you speak with precision and intention, your words land with a quiet yet powerful force.

The next time you witness a conflict, consider how your introversion can be an asset that helps you steer yourself and others towards a middle path that feels respectful and allows all parties to feel seen and heard.