
06/10/2025
People pleasing has absolutely nothing to do with pleasing people, and it isn’t just about being kind.
It’s fear. Fear of criticism. Fear of confrontation. Fear of letting people down. Fear of abandonment. Fear of not being liked or not fitting in.
When fear is present, your brain constantly looks out for threats related to that fear. For example, if you fear confrontation, your brain might perceive unpredictable people as a threat. To remove or reduce that threat, you please them.
People pleasing is a behaviour used to avoid fear — and to avoid the anxiety you’d feel if you displeased someone. That’s why you smile… but behind the smile is fear and anxiety in disguise.
👉 Whether you’re people pleasing yourself, or supporting someone that is. Take a look at the 7 people pleasing resources in my bio. Or visit
https://thecbthub.co.uk/welcome-2503