My People Pleasing Nightmare

I was raised as a middle child, in a home that values respect, empathy, and courteousness. I distinctly remember when I was about 11 or 12, I was walking into the store with my dad and siblings and my sister made a comment about my ugly outfit or my disheveled hair (I honestly can't remember the exact critique she was bestowing upon me as only a big sister can) and I confidently retorted, "I don't care what anyone else thinks". My dad immediately stopped walking and forcefully said "Don't ever say that. You should always care what other people think". Now, first off, do I think my dad's motivation in this was the create a person who grew up to be a people pleaser and struggles to this day with being assertive with my needs and boundaries? No, of course not. I think it came from a wise patriarch who was trying to teach me that indeed, other people's opinions of you will come with consequences. But, nonetheless, this lesson stuck with me (clearly) and had major effects on my life.

Want to read more?

Subscribe to nobilityforyou.com to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now