You don't need thicker skin.

Eight ways for sensitive people to thrive in a world that rewards toughness.

Today, we’re showcasing the stunning work of Lotta Teale, whose portraits seem to be an ongoing study of the sensitive 15-20% of the population. Here is her self-portrait.

Last week, I had what you might call a “difficult conversation”, with a tennis teacher, via text. I say “might” because it wasn’t particularly heated, and I doubt that he even thought twice about it.

As for me, though I wasn’t hugely upset, I thought about it during the night, and couldn’t get back to sleep.

If you’re a thin-skinned type, you’ll probably relate.

We live in a world that rewards toughness — detachment, irony, coolness under pressure.

So, if you’re on the sensitive side, it can feel that your goal in life is to develop a thicker skin. Which isn’t a bad idea - it’s wonderful when you realize that you can now take in stride things that once would have rattled you.

But the REAL goal, I think, is learning to value the skins we have.

Today, I want to give you eight ways to live well and prosper, with a naturally thin skin.