People-Pleasing Pitfalls: Reclaiming Your Identity

Akanksha Sharma

The Emotional Toll of Self-Sacrifice

Young Woman Sitting on Bed, Battling Loneliness and Nighttime Depression. Photo Credit: Envato @alexlucru123

Constantly putting others' needs before one's own can lead to emotional exhaustion and resentment. Over time, the act of self-sacrifice can deplete an individual's emotional reserves, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. The inability to assert personal boundaries can result in a loss of identity, where one's sense of self becomes increasingly intertwined with the approval of others.

The Role of Empathy and Compassion

Couple holding hands. Act of love, support and kindness. Photo Credit: Envato @kolomietsolena

Empathy and compassion play a crucial role in the balancing act between pleasing others and staying true to oneself. While these qualities enable us to connect with others and build meaningful relationships, they can also lead to overextending oneself in an attempt to alleviate others' discomfort. Understanding how to harness empathy without losing oneself involves recognizing the difference between being supportive and being self-sacrificing.

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The Emotional Toll of Self-Sacrifice

The Role of Empathy and Compassion

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