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    She's Your Friend » Life Advice

    Why am I a people pleaser? (+tips to stop being one)

    by Joanna Stephens Published: Mar 22, 2021 · Updated: Dec 1, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. We earn commission from purchases made. ·

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    a frustrated woman with text overlay that reads big problems when you are always a people pleaser
    a frustrated woman with text overlay that reads big problems when you are always a people pleaser

    We've all been there, some of us more than others. Saying yes so that we don't hurt the other person's feelings.

    Trying to be the person that is liked by everyone, but there are some serious problems with being a people pleaser.

    Jump to:
    • Why am I a people pleaser?
    • The problems with people pleasing
    • How to stop being a people pleaser

    Why am I a people pleaser?

    According to Psych Central, the reason we become people pleasers is because we want to fit in and belong.

    This could stem back to a moment or time in your childhood where you didn't feel seen or someone made fun of you.

    For me personally, I think I became a people pleaser because I was trying to sneak approval from my parents.

    The problems with people pleasing

    1. People get upset when you finally say no

    If you are notorious for always saying yes, then people come to expect that. When you deviate, they think something is wrong.

    This means when you finally start trying to take time for yourself or want a break, you have to get defensive and explain why.

    If you were more open with your feeling from the beginning, a no wouldn't be such a crime.

    2. Your energy gets drained

    Always showing up when people invite you, or messaging back right away, or saying yes to something is exhausting.

    Everyone needs time to themselves, whether is a personal day, a mental health day, or just some much needed alone time.

    Especially for introverts, like myself.

    3. You lose your sense of self

    Trying to make others like you, means sacrificing yourself.

    It means you are hiding your real self, and if you do that too long, it gets harder and harder to find her again.

    Take my word for it, I'm weird and quirky. During my long decades of being a people pleaser and wanting everyone to like me, I was shy, quiet and subdued.

    Always noticing everyone's reaction to every little thing.

    What I should and should not say or act like or wear.

    In fact, it wasn't until after I became a mom that I finally started caring about myself again. Trying to find my weird, funny, awkward self again.

    Why? Well, I want my daughter to be herself too! I want her to see that it's okay to be weird or awkward.

    We don't need to change ourselves for the world. We just need to be us and the world can change however it wants.

    How to stop being a people pleaser

    • Set boundaries and be prepared to enforce them. Also, don't apologize for having these boundaries. The right people in your life will understand and be accepting.
    • Start using phrases like "I know in the past this didn't bother me, but it does now" for when you are trying to establish boundaries with people who only know the people pleaser version of you.
    • Find your why. Maybe you are tired of not being seen or heard. Or like me, maybe you want to set a good example for your daughter. Not matter what it is, find your why and let that give you the reason you need to start asserting yourself.
    • Use affirmations to help retrain your mind.
      • I am enough.
      • I deserve better.
      • I am valuable.
      • I am confident.

    Related articles:

    • PSA: You don’t have to be liked by everyone
    • How to love yourself again
    • 7 ways to manage Social Anxiety during Holidays
    • 6 Amazing books to read (if you have Social Anxiety)
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