People-pleasing
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
It’s easy to fall into the habit of people-pleasing, especially when you want to avoid conflict or make sure everyone approves of you. But constantly pushing your own feelings aside to keep others happy, will leave you feeling miserable
People-pleasing often stems from deep-rooted fears or past experiences. Maybe you grew up learning that your worth was tied to making others happy, or perhaps you’re afraid that people won’t like the real you if you show them who you truly are. It’s not uncommon to morph yourself into what you think others want, but that leads to living a life that doesn’t really belong to you
The key to breaking free from this cycle is to embrace your authentic self and live unapologetically. When you start showing up as your true self, you’ll attract the right people who appreciate you for who you truly are, and you’ll find a deeper sense of peace and fulfilment
People-pleasing is tough to break free from, but it’s so important to learn to put yourself first. You deserve to feel heard, respected, and valued. If you keep quiet when someone crosses the line, they’ll think it’s okay to keep doing it and that’s not fair to you
I’ve been working on standing up for myself and setting boundaries, and I’m finally seeing progress. I’ve learned that if you don’t speak up when something bothers you, you’re quietly giving others permission to keep treating you the same way. When I finally did speak up after letting things slide for too long, it caught people off guard because they didn’t believe their behaviour was upsetting me. It would’ve been much better for everyone if I’d addressed it sooner, rather than later
Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be a big deal. It can be as simple as saying no to plans you don’t want to attend or letting someone know they hurt your feelings. By speaking up early, you’re not only standing up for yourself, but you’re also giving others a chance to understand where you’re coming from and do better. Sometimes, it’s just a misunderstanding that needs clearing up and by addressing it, you’re saving your connection
Choosing not to speak up to avoid conflict might seem like the easier route, but it usually just leads to bottled-up resentment. Trust me, it’s way better to be upfront about how you feel. Some people might never see things your way, and that’s okay. Know your worth and let go of those who don’t respect you
Breaking free from people-pleasing is all about choosing self-respect. When you start setting boundaries and speaking up, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also paving the way for better, more honest relationships. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect, so don’t be afraid to use your voice and stand up for what is right for you
If you’d like to read more about becoming your most authentic self and living a life that’s true to you, you’re in the right place. I recommend reading the following blog posts next:
Finding and loving your authentic self
And continue on from there - Happy self-discovering x
