The Chains of Acquiescence: The Struggle of the People Pleaser

ctaylor
Grandma’s Grimoire
7 min readFeb 22, 2024

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Like a circus elephant bound by a mere rope to a stake, the people pleaser remains stationary, even when the power to break free lies within.

Img Credit: Canva.com

The Struggle of the People Pleaser

In a world that often values harmony and societal norms over individual authenticity, many find themselves bound by the invisible chains of people-pleasing. These chains, while intangible, can be as weighty and constricting as physical fetters. At the core of this behavior lies an often unspoken need for validation, acceptance, and the fear of conflict.

The Chains of Obligation

The weight of always saying “yes” is not merely borne in the moment of agreement but lingers on, accumulating with each unwilling commitment. Each “yes” when a “no” is felt deep down becomes a link in a chain of obligations, which can weigh heavily on the individual’s psyche. This self-imposed burden doesn’t just strain one’s time and energy but also erodes the sense of self, as one’s desires and boundaries become secondary to the desires of others.

Fear of Disappointing

What is it about rejection or denial that is so fearsome? For the people pleaser, saying “no” is not just a simple act of refusal. It is fraught…

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