What Is People Pleasing? – TAPinto.net

As you were growing up you may not have learned how to take good care of yourself. In fact, much of your attention may have been in taking care of others or on just getting by. “People Pleasing” is a term that refers to taking care of others’ needs rather than taking care of ourselves.

People often confuse “people pleasing” with being unselfish and make comments such as “I am not a selfish person.” However, always putting other people’s needs before your own can exhaust you. 

By caring for others at your own expense, you are inviting illness, depression, stress and other illnesses. Always doing for others when you really wish you could say “no” instead of “yes” sets up resentment. We begin to feel angry and resentful especially when we ask that particular person for a favor in return, and they cannot accommodate us.  

The other extreme is being selfish. Being completely selfish requires always putting your needs first and foremost, even stepping on others to get what you want.  What we do recommend is “self-interest” and what this means is taking good care of yourself, even putting your needs first at times, while considering the needs of others.

The best balance in relationships is to give and receive. Your own needs, desires and ideas are just as important as anyone else’s. 

Begin today to take good care of yourself. Take time to do things you enjoy, give yourself rewards, take time to exercise, eat healthy, enroll in a yoga class, art class, spend time with people who make you feel good and practice saying “NO.” 

Those who have a problem saying “NO” have difficulty affirming themselves and exercising their ability to form and maintain personal boundaries. When people say “YES” when they really want to say “NO,” self-esteem erodes. Such behavior conveys the attitude, “your feelings are more important than mine.” Pay close attention to your own needs and wants and listen to your “inner voice”.

At the Hellenic Therapy Center we strive to promote a healthy self-esteem. We have a team of licensed professionals specializing in individual, family and couples therapy.  Please visit www.hellenictherapy.com or call 908-322-0112.