Today I ran into a common problem that I have. I am in a situation where I have to make a decision that no matter how I slice it, I feel I am going to disappoint someone or hurt their feelings. Because much of my anxiety revolves around the fear of being judged by others, this can really be stressful and trigger some anxiety. I am what you call a “People Pleaser“. I do this because I want everyone to like me and I desperately want to avoid confrontation. I don’t like making people upset with me. So when I have to choose, I stress over my decision before and after it has been made. People pleasers have a hard time saying no because it is uncomfortable. We want to do every favor that is asked of us, no matter what personal sacrifice it may entail. Amy B. from Associated Content describes people pleasers:

“They may be asked to serve on committees, do a favor (or ten), or complete any number of tasks. To the average person, these activities could seem overbearing, but for the people pleaser, these requests are always accepted. The people pleaser is unlikely to stop and evaluate their own needs or schedule, and instead will say “Yes!” They may not be passionate about the request, but they comply, mostly because they do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make someone mad at them. And, because these individuals say yes to everything, they are often way too busy. They feel overly stressed, and their attention is often divided.”

I have to remind myself that in life, you can’t please everyone. There are times where you have to put yourself first and do what is best for you regardless of what others may think. I found these words of encouragement to share from allinspiration.com:

You Can’t Please Everyone

“You may be generally an amiable and pleasant person. You may generally get along well with most people. But somehow, there is that one family member, that one friend, that one colleague, who doesn’t take to you very well.

This might disappoint you, sadden you, or even disillusion you. Don’t allow it to.

Every single person is unique. Every single relationship is different. Somewhere, somehow, there will be people who don’t quite get along.

If you allow yourself to adjust your personal values, to change the person that you are, just to win over that one person or few people, you run the risk of adversely affecting the good relationships you do have.

Be positive. Focus on your happy relationships. At the same time, accept that there will be ones that don’t go so well. Whatever you say or do, whoever you are, whatever character or personality you have, you won’t be able to please everyone.”

One of the hardest things I am trying to learn is to not care what people may, or may not, think about me. I think it all boils down to self-esteem and how I value myself. Are you a People Pleaser? If so, how do you cope with disappointing people?