September 14: People-Pleasing: A Survival Skill, Not a Personality Trait

(Understanding People-Pleasing)

Goals:

• Define people-pleasing.
• Explore how abuse teaches survivors to prioritize others’ needs for safety.
• Discuss the difference between kindness and self-sacrifice.
• Identify common people-pleasing behaviors.

Discussion prompts:

• When did you first realize you were putting everyone else first?
• What were you trying to protect yourself from?
• What does people-pleasing “cost” you today?

Optional Activity:

• Complete a “People-Pleasing Checklist” and discuss which behaviors participants recognize in themselves.