Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone. 

Pulse Uganda

People-pleasing behaviours can come from a place of kindness, but it’s not healthy.

7 signs you are a people pleaser | Pulse Uganda

Anna Ajayi

<p><strong>Being kind and considerate is a great trait, but when it comes at the cost of your own well-being, it might indicate that you're a people pleaser.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>People-pleasing behaviour stems from a desire to be liked and avoid conflict, but it can lead to burnout, frustration, and a loss of personal identity.</p>

<p>Here are seven signs that you might be a people pleaser and tips on how to address these behaviours.</p>

<h3><strong>1. You always say yes</strong></h3>

<p>If you find yourself agreeing to everything, even when it's overwhelming or beyond your responsibilities, you could be stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing. <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/how-to-say-no-without-feeling-guilty-about-it/9cr8z9m">Saying "yes" to avoid disappointing others</a> can make you an easy target for extra work and expectations. Learning to say "no" when necessary is key to breaking this pattern. </p>

Always saying yes is a sign of people pleasing [1Africa]

<p>Start small by practising polite refusals, like, "I’d love to help, but I’m stretched thin right now."</p>

<h3><strong>2. You avoid conflict</strong></h3>

<p>Avoiding any form of disagreement is another common sign. People pleasers steer clear of confrontations, even when standing up for themselves is the right thing to do. While no one enjoys conflict, learning to address issues calmly and assertively can actually strengthen relationships, as it builds mutual respect.</p>

<h3><strong>3. You need everyone to like you</strong></h3>

<p>Do you go out of your way to make sure everyone likes you, even those you don’t particularly care for? Seeking approval from everyone, including those you don’t have meaningful connections with, can be exhausting and unproductive. <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/how-to-say-no-without-feeling-guilty-about-it/9cr8z9m">It’s impossible to please everyone</a>, and that’s perfectly okay.</p>

<h3><strong>4. You rarely accept praise</strong></h3>

<p>If you struggle to accept compliments or deflect praise with comments like, "It was a team effort," you might be downplaying your accomplishments to avoid attention. Accepting praise graciously is essential—it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging your hard work.</p>

<h3><strong>5. You take the blame for others</strong></h3>

<p>Taking responsibility for mistakes that aren’t yours just to keep the peace is a sign that you're prioritising others' feelings over fairness. This can lead to resentment and even bigger problems down the road, as it prevents the real issues from being addressed.</p>

<h3><strong>6. You change your behaviour around others</strong></h3>

<p>People pleasers often change their behaviour or opinions depending on who they are around. If you find yourself agreeing with people just to fit in, or behaving differently to match the crowd, it's a sign you might be losing sight of your own identity. Always stay true to yourself, no matter who you’re with.</p>

<h3><strong>7. You feel overwhelmed by guilt when saying no</strong></h3>

<p>Do you feel an intense wave of guilt every time you decline a request? This is a hallmark of people-pleasing. Feeling guilty about setting boundaries can lead to burnout. Instead of feeling bad, recognise that taking care of your own needs is not selfish, it's necessary.</p>

<p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/how-to-say-no-without-feeling-guilty-about-it/9cr8z9m">How to say no without feeling guilty about it</a></p>

<p><em>This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.</em></p>

7 signs you are a people pleaser

Lifestyle

Business

Entertainment

Sports

News

Politics

Local

World

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Sports 

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Domestic

International 

Explore categories

Influencer Awards

Company Pages

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulse Uganda

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone |  Pulse Uganda

Authors | Pulse Uganda

| Pulse Uganda

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Uganda

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Uganda

Search Results | Pulse Uganda

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Uganda