This is a local and regional discussion group and "contact point" for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) living in the New York City area, including northern New Jersey, as well as New York State, in general.

Visit our new web site for information about the October 2008 East Coast HSP Gathering!

The main purpose of the list is to explore the ins and outs of being a Highly Sensitive Person, and to support each other as HSPs. The secondary purpose is to help HSPs in the area interact, make contacts, form support groups and make friends. The list is modeled after hspbook, a large international discussion group that's also a part of YahooGroups.

Why a LOCAL group? The idea came from the extremely positive, empowering and rewarding experiences HSPs have shared after attending the periodic HSP Gatherings on the East and West coasts. However, for every HSP who goes to a Gathering, there are 50 who are sad at not knowing any HSPs "in their area." In addition, many don't want to deal with the cost and potential overwhelm that goes with travelling across the country to an HSP Gathering. The answer, thus, had to be "local" groups.

This is NOT a "personals" or "dating" list-- however, we hope you'll make some new friends in your area, and if sufficient numbers of members show enough interest, it may be possible to arrange local HSP get-togethers on a regular basis.

Although it is highly recommended that you have some familiarity with Elaine Aron's books "The Highly Sensitive Person," "The Highly Sensitive Person in Love," or "The Highly Sensitive Child," that is by no means a requirement for membership.

The list is moderated to help maintain an "HSP-safe" environment. Flaming, trolling, proselytizing or advertising will not be tolerated and will result in the posting member being banned. However, open discussions are invited and welcome