"Actually," I heard a voice say. It sounded flat, robotic, and foreign. It was my voice. "No. I’m not doing that."
"I don't want to," I added. No excuse. No apology. No "I'm sorry, but." people pleaser blacked
The consequences of this lifestyle are profound and often physically debilitating. Chronic people pleasers frequently suffer from unexplained fatigue, migraines, and digestive issues—the body’s way of protesting the silence of the mind. Socially, the irony is that while they strive to be liked by everyone, they often feel deeply lonely. Because they never show their true selves, any affection they receive feels fraudulent. They aren't being loved for who they are; they are being appreciated for the service they provide. "Actually," I heard a voice say
I stared at the person waiting for my concession. I watched their mouth curve into a preemptive smile, assured of my compliance. They expected the erasure of my needs. They expected the routine performance. No apology
A people pleaser is someone who feels they have no option but to mold themselves to the expectations of those around them. Common traits include: