I’ve been called too intense more often than I care to remember. I used to think there was “something wrong” with me. As I’ve journeyed I’ve met others (who often become good friends) who also are labeled “intense”, “a lot”, or “too much.” We’re a club of sorts. Our mutual baseline for focus, engagement, and conviction is high, and we are happy with that.
I’ve tried to discern why some people get this label and others don’t. This is some of what I’ve learned:
Intensity is a matter of directness. If we’re not the outspoken type, intensity is often a measure of the expression of our convictions. The friend who comes straight to the point, or those who completely embody what they believe to be true (through word or action) are examples of this.
This description lends a positive outlook while the label seems to lean to the other way. Whatever negative reputation one might receive for their intensity, we would be better of in a world of people who come straight to the point, and embody their beliefs than otherwise.