If you constantly feel emotionally drained but try to make everyone around you happy, you may be a person who always puts others before yourself. This phenomenon, known as "people pleaser" is characterized by the desire to please everyone, even at the expense of your own happiness and personal needs. Here are 5 signs that show that you put others before yourself:
1. Always say "yes", even when you don't want to
If you don't know how to say "no", you may be someone who seeks to please others. In most cases, accept every request, despite the fact that it may tire you or put you in uncomfortable situations. For example, someone may ask for your help, even though you are very busy, you still accept it so as not to upset that person, even if it causes you great stress.
2. Fear of rejection or the opinion of others
Another sign is the fear that not refusing will cause you to lose relationships or may spoil the image you have created with others. If you depend on the approval of others, you may think that if you refuse a request, you will no longer be important to them. This constant fear prevents you from acting as you want.
3. The need to avoid conflict
If you always try to avoid conflict, even when you feel hurt or have clearly been wronged, you may be trying to please others. You will accept mistakes that are not yours and give up your personal opinion just to avoid an unpleasant situation. This behavior appears when you remain silent in the face of an injustice just to avoid creating tension.
4. Put the needs of others before your own
When you always put other people's priorities above your own, it's a clear sign that you're losing yourself. If you forget that you too have needs and desires, you are living to please others. For example, you might cancel your plan to take a vacation just because someone asked you for help at the last minute, even though you need some time to yourself.
5. You feel worn out and unappreciated
If you constantly feel exhausted and feel that no one appreciates your effort, this is a sign that you are trying too hard for others. You can often feel emotionally drained, as you give your all but don't get the same appreciation in return. For example, you may spend a lot of time helping others at work, but no one thanks you or when you really need help, no one is there for you.
If you find yourself engaging in these behaviors, it's important to stop for a moment and think about yourself. Assessing your own needs is just as important as caring for others.