People pleasing

People pleasing involves prioritising others' needs and desires over one's own, often to gain approval or avoid conflict. While being considerate of others is important, chronic people-pleasing can lead to stress, resentment, and a loss of personal identity. This behaviour often stems from a fear of rejection or a desire to be liked, which can make it challenging to say no or set boundaries. At Revive Psychology, we help individuals understand the root causes of their people-pleasing behaviour.

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Common signs of people-pleasing behavior may include:

Difficulty saying no to requests, even when overburdened
Constantly seeking approval or validation from others
Feeling guilty or anxious when asserting personal needs
Neglecting one's own needs to satisfy others
Avoiding conflict or disagreement at all costs
Experiencing burnout due to overcommitting
Fear of rejection or criticism

People-pleasing behavior can be influenced by various factors, including:

Low self-esteem or self-worth
Fear of rejection or abandonment
Past experiences of criticism or rejection
Cultural or familial expectations to be accommodating
Desire to avoid conflict or maintain harmony
Previous trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Perfectionism and fear of failure

Impact on daily life

People-pleasing can significantly impact daily life, leading to emotional exhaustion and loss of personal fulfillment. Constantly putting others' needs first can result in neglecting self-care and personal goals. Individuals may find themselves overwhelmed with commitments, leading to burnout and stress. The inability to assert boundaries can also lead to resentment and strained relationships, as people-pleasers may feel taken advantage of. Over time, this behavior can erode self-esteem and lead to f...

FAQs

What causes people-pleasing behavior? People-pleasing often stems from low self-esteem, fear of rejection, past criticism, or a desire to avoid conflict and gain approval.
Can people-pleasing be changed? Yes, with awareness and support, individuals can learn to set healthy boundaries, assert their needs, and develop self-confidence.
How does people-pleasing affect mental health? Chronic people-pleasing can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and feelings of resentment or frustration, impacting overall mental well-being.
Can therapy help with people-pleasing behavior? Yes, therapy can provide tools to understand the underlying causes of people-pleasing, develop assertiveness skills, and build self-esteem.