The Burden of Responsibility For People-Pleasers

As people-pleasers, we prioritize the needs and expectations of others above our own and often find ourselves saddled with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. This mentality of ours may be driven by a genuine desire to help and support others, but it can ultimately lead to chronic stress, resentment, and burnout. In this article, we will delve into five aspects of this phenomenon, exploring the ways in which people-pleasers may feel responsible for various aspects of others' lives.

1. Feeling responsible for the happiness or well-being of others

As people-pleasers, we often feel compelled to ensure the happiness and well-being of others, even when it is beyond our control. This may manifest in various forms, such as offering constant emotional support, providing financial assistance, or trying to fix problems that are not your own. Although these actions may be well-intentioned, they can create an unrealistic and unsustainable expectation of responsibility for another person's emotional state.

Actionable Advice: Practice empathy without taking on responsibility for other people's emotions.

Self-Reflection: What is within my control to support this person? What is beyond my control? What are some healthy ways to show empathy without taking on too much responsibility?

2. Taking on more obligations than one can handle