How do I cope with being easily offended because I'm 'too sensitive?”

Being sensitive is a great thing. It gives you a different perspective of the world and it lets you tap in emotionally. But sometimes it's not the most fun. If you truly are sensitive, there are things that will always frustrate and offend you. There's no really getting around that, at least there isn't for me. When people are teasing me good-naturedly, I always feel like they mean it on the inside. Part of me knows that they are just joking, but there is a darker part inside that believes it's the truth. On the outside, I try to hide my true emotions and pretend it doesn't bother me. I may even joke back. I try to get involved in the teasing and join in teasing the person back to show that I am good natured about it even though the whole time it is affecting me. I think the best way to cope that I know of is simply to remove yourself from situations where you are feeling offended because of your sensitivity. This doesn't mean to restrict yourself from these situations completely (you can, if that works). If you feel things are getting to a point where you might be affected by someone who doesn't mean to do so, you can either remove yourself by going to the restroom to wash your face with cold water, or just take a break from the situation. You can also try to change the subject. You can also try to talk to the person about it and explain, but from my experience that usually leads to the person saying something like: "Oh, quit being so sensitive! I was only joking. Why do you take everything so seriously?" And that's not a situation I want to be in or I want you to be in. As sensitive people that kind of thing doesn't mean anything. I know they are joking and it still hurts.