How To Stop People Pleasing

A scrabble letter game with the word no thanks.

Are you the go-to person for all your friends and family’s needs, but never seem to have your own needs met? Do you find yourself saying “yes” to things you really want to say “no” to? Well, my friend, you may be a chronic people-pleaser. But don’t worry, there’s hope for us all. Breaking the cycle of people pleasing can be tough, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a “people please-not” in no time.

1. Learn to say “no.” It’s like learning to ride a bike, it takes practice. Start small, say “no” to the things that don’t really matter, like that third helping of dessert you didn’t want or that unpaid favor you don’t want to do. Then, work your way up to the bigger things. And remember, saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person, it makes you a person with boundaries. 2. Stop apologizing for everything. People pleasers often feel the need to apologize for things that aren’t their fault. But apologizing for something that you don’t need to apologize for is like wearing a “kick Me” sign on your back, it just makes you a target. 3. Prioritize your own needs. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on a plane. You can’t help anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself first. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and doing things that make you happy. 4. Learn to set boundaries. It’s like putting up a “Keep Out” sign on your front lawn. It lets people know what’s okay and what’s not okay with you. This can help prevent people from taking advantage of your people-pleasing nature. 5. Surround yourself with supportive people. It’s like having a posse of bodyguards. Being around people who respect and support your boundaries can help you feel more confident in standing up for yourself.

So, don’t be afraid to put yourself first, set boundaries, and say “no” when you need to. Remember, being a people pleaser is a habit and like any habit, it can be broken with determination and a little bit of humor.

Peace & Love xx

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