Why be a people pleaser Being a people pleaser often gets a bad reputation, but when done tactfully and thoughtfully, it can actually strengthen your relationships, and even help you succeed professionally. Psychology shows that humans are wired for connection, and the desire to be liked and accepted is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. However, healthy people-pleasing is about balancing kindness with self-respect — not sacrificing your own needs for others.
Here we list some ways to be a people pleaser: Practice active listening Communication is key for any relationship to thrive. However, it not just involves open and honest communication, but also active listening. People often love to talk about themselves, and so if you listen to them without interrupting or questioning then it is one of the most powerful ways to be a genuine people pleaser.
Active listening means giving someone your full attention, maintaining eye contact, nodding, and offering thoughtful responses. Offer help — but also set clear boundaries Helping others in need is a hallmark of a good people pleaser, but psychology emphasises the importance of healthy limits. Offering help boosts oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) for both you and the receiver, thus creating stronger emotional ties.
However, do not overextend yourself as it could lead to burnout and resentment in the long run. Genuinely appreciate and praise others According to psychology, expressing your sincere appreciation for others boost their someone’s self-esteem and create lasting positive memories. Genuine people pleasers naturally attract warmth and loyalty from others.
Respect differences Psychologists emphasise that effective people-pleasing isn’t about becoming a chameleon. Instead, it is about respecting your differences. Allow others to have their opinions, even when you disagree, without feeling the need to "fix" things.
This will make them feel heard, and they too will respect your clashing viewpoints. Learn the power of saying "No" when needed and offer alternatives Saying “no” can actually make you a better, more trusted people pleaser. Psychologists argue that boundaries are crucial for healthy relationships.
Instead of flat rejections, offer thoughtful alternatives. This shows that you aren;t simply negating others' views or suggestions, but are genuinely offering better solutions or alternatives. 3 Zodiac signs who are secretly very competitive Books quiz: Can you guess which books these famous lines are from? How to use ChatGPT to change and design the interiors of your home and garden Puja Joshi’s most graceful and captivating looks Baby names that mean the first ray of sunlight In pics: Gorgeous looks of Pujitha Devaraju Ahead of Met Gala 2025, check out Kiara Advani's these most fashionable looks Shriya Saran Stuns in a Striking Bold Monochrome Look 8 scary-looking birds with even scarier calls Shoaib Ibrahim responds to receiving hatred after Pahalgam attack; says 'Logon ne mujhe bola Pakistan chale jao' How a WhatsApp message from a fan to Mammootty helped save a child’s life 7 surprising reasons why people use the silent treatment, as per psychology 7 secret underground cities around the world you can actually visit The surprising signs that your body is crying for Vitamin D - do you have these? Divyanka and Vivek's fun quick trip to Bhopal 10 after-dinner habits to speed up digestion From getting toilet papers from the US to a lavish walk-in closet; Kashmera Shah gives a peek into her luxurious home 5 Indian herbs that are great for hair growth.
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5 ways to be a people pleaser, as per psychology
Being a people pleaser often gets a bad reputation, but when done tactfully and thoughtfully, it can actually strengthen your relationships, and even help you succeed professionally. Psychology shows that humans are wired for connection, and the desire to be liked and accepted is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. However, healthy people-pleasing is about balancing kindness with self-respect — not sacrificing your own needs for others. Here we list some ways to be a people pleaser: