This is a local and regional discussion group and "contact point" for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) in Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento and beyond.

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 Northern California 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 is largely a response to the extremely positive feedback from HSPs who have participated in the periodic HSP Gatherings many of which have been held in Marin County. HSPs gain much from meeting their peers. However, for every HSP who goes to a Gathering, there are many who express frustration at not knowing any HSPs "in their area." In addition, even though HSP Gatherings are wonderful, it's nice to have fellow HSPs to connect with during the times between these events. The answer, thus, had to be "local" discussion groups.

This is not intended to be a "personals" or "dating" list-- however, we hope you'll make 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 we 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 welcomed.