After reading the title of this article, many of you men may be tempted to tune out, but please don’t, because I am writing to you, too.

I know that we men sometimes have a really hard time with the concept of being sensitive to the needs, wants, and desires of others, mostly because we believe that being sensitive is not such a manly thing. We also know that women seem to naturally be more sensitive to others, especially as it relates to their role as nurturers in motherhood.

Just because being sensitive comes easier for some than it does for others, does not let any of us off the hook. As human beings, we must all see the need to speak and act with more sensitivity towards each other. Furthermore, we must get rid of some of our misconceptions of what sensitivity is and what it is not.

Obviously sensitivity is not just for women; it is for all of us! Sensitivity is not a sign of weakness. Actually, sensitivity shows strength of character, rather than weakness. The opposite of sensitivity is callousness, rudeness, harshness. I like this definition of sensitivity: the ability to perceive the true attitudes and emotions of those around us. Sensitivity is being aware of facial expressions, noticing the tone of voice, putting oneself in the shoes of the other person, seeing things from the other’s perspective and really caring about someone else more than self.

Sensitivity means you dig a little deeper to see why someone is behaving negatively–maybe they need a little encouragement or a word of praise or a little extra understanding because they are feeling unappreciated, hurt, guilty or stressed. Our level of sensitivity in these kinds of situations can make all the difference, when we really take the time to find out what is behind someones bad attitude.

Sensitivity gives life to our relationships as it refreshes everyone we come into contact with and the more sensitive we are to the needs of others, the more perception we will gain in all areas of our lives.

Sensitivity is not just for the feminine side of the population. Sensitivity is for all of us. Take action today to become simply sensitive. Real men and women of good character will do this without hesitation.