What to do if you have social anxiety in collegeWhat to do if you have social anxiety in college
Compassionate Conversations
Esther Kane discusses how highly sensitive young adults can manage social anxiety in college, offering tips on embracing sensitivity and building meaningful connections.
5:21•27 Aug 2025
Embracing Sensitivity: Social Tips for College Students
Episode Overview
- Highly sensitive people have finely tuned nervous systems.
- Prioritise quality over quantity in friendships.
- Allow recovery time after social events.
- Be honest about your needs in social settings.
- Embrace sensitivity as a strength.
“You don't have to be louder to be loved.”
Ever felt like the odd one out at a party, or needed days to recover from a social gathering? Esther Kane's latest episode of 'Compassionate Conversations' offers a comforting chat for highly sensitive young adults grappling with social anxiety in college. With warmth and understanding, Esther shares her personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed in social settings, emphasising that being highly sensitive is a trait, not a flaw. Psychologist Dr.
Elaine Aron describes Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) as individuals with finely tuned nervous systems, making them more susceptible to overstimulation. Esther dives into practical tips for HSPs, such as prioritising quality over quantity in friendships and allowing recovery time after social events. She encourages listeners to embrace their sensitivity as a strength, highlighting qualities like empathy and intuition. Esther's advice includes being honest about your needs, whether it's seeking quiet spaces or opting for one-on-one interactions.
For those feeling out of place in loud environments, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to be louder to be loved. Esther assures her audience that it's okay to crave depth and gentleness in social interactions. By sharing her journey and offering strategies, Esther creates a supportive space for listeners to find balance and authenticity in their social lives.
So, if you've ever felt drained by small talk or struggled with FOMO, this episode is packed with insights that could help you navigate your social world more comfortably. What's your experience as a young HSP in social settings? Share your thoughts and learn how to make your sensitivity work for you.

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