The truth about people pleasing

The truth about people pleasing

Hello... My name is Jacqui and I am a people pleaser.

If you're anything like me, you know the feeling of wanting to make everyone around you happy, even if it means sacrificing your own needs... Mother Teresa…amiright?!

“Sure, I’d love to help you move house”
“Of course I can cover your shift”
“A last minute dinner? Yep, sure I’m free (let me just change out of my pyjamas)…”

Saying "no" can feel like a betrayal, and the thought of letting someone down is almost unbearable. But what if I told you that people pleasing isn't always as selfless as it seems?

Recently, someone said something to me that shook me to my core. They pointed out that when we constantly say "yes" to others, we're not necessarily being selfless - we're actually trying to control how others see us. In other words, we're being selfish in our desire to be perceived as a good person. Ouch, right?

The truth is, when we agree to do things we don't really want to do, it's not good for anyone. Resentment builds, and the other person can often sense that something's off so we’re all left with a bad taste in our mouths. So why do we do it? Why do we continue to prioritise other people's needs over our own, even when it doesn't feel right?

I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: genuine connections are built on authenticity, not obligation. That's why Unseasoned Greetings is all about creating cards that come from the heart. We want to help you connect with the people in your life in a way that feels real and meaningful.

Sure, we celebrate the big occasions too - birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. But we believe that there's something extra special about unexpected cards. Cards that aren't sent out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to make someone's day a little brighter.

As someone who's been known to say "yes" when I really mean "no", I know how hard it can be to break free from the people-pleasing cycle.

But here's the thing: you can't control what other people think of you. You can only control your own actions. So why not be true to yourself? Be the kind of person who acts from a place of authenticity, not obligation.

Of course, there will be times when you have to put others before yourself. That's just part of being a decent human being. But the next time you're faced with a decision, ask yourself this: am I doing this because I genuinely want to, or because I want to be seen as a "good" person?

Let's break free from the cycle of people pleasing together. Let's create real connections that come from the heart. And let's never forget that the best kind of cards are the ones that come from a place of genuine love and care.

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