01/26/2026
Fawning often hides in plain sight. Awareness is the first step toward change.
The fawn response isn’t always obvious. It can look like struggling to say no, automatically agreeing to things you don’t actually want to do, or putting other people’s comfort ahead of your own needs and boundaries. It’s not weakness. It’s a survival strategy your nervous system learned to stay safe and connected.
But what once protected you can also quietly exhaust you. It can leave you feeling unseen, resentful, or disconnected from what you truly want.
Noticing when you’re fawning is powerful. It creates space to pause, check in with yourself, and choose differently—slowly, gently, without shame.