At Loving Midlife, we help women break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reclaim their time, energy, and self-worth. This category offers insights, strategies, and support to set healthy boundaries, say no without guilt, and prioritize your own needs. Whether you struggle with overcommitment, fear of conflict, or the need for external validation, we provide the tools to help you build confidence, strengthen relationships, and live authentically.
You know that moment when you say “yes” before you even think—and immediately feel the knot in your stomach? That quiet tug that says, “I didn’t really want to do that.” That’s people pleasing. And it’s more than just being nice. It’s a deeply wired pattern, often learned young—praised for being easy, helpful, agreeable. Over…
So, you are finally ready to give up people pleasing. What’s next? When you stop people pleasing, everything changes. It’s like stepping off a treadmill you didn’t realize you were on. At first, it might feel strange. You might even feel guilty for saying no or putting your own needs first. I know because I’ve…
“I am an imposter. I am a fraud.” These words echoed in my mind for years. Despite working as an accountant for over 30 years and excelling in my career, I couldn’t shake the feeling. Why? Because I don’t have that little piece of paper—the qualification that says, “Yes, she’s legitimate.” I never completed my…
My brother is building a house. It’s going to be beautiful—if he ever finishes it. You see, my brother is a perfectionist. He insists on completing every task himself. In fact, he’s taken the term “self-build” to dizzying new heights. And honestly? That’s fine. It’s his passion project, and he’s in no rush. He’s enjoying…
Setting boundaries with parents can feel tricky, especially when you have a close relationship. My mum and I have always been very close. When my daughters were born, she stepped in to help in the most wonderful way, looking after them so I could return to work. I’ll always be grateful for her support during…
Do you ever feel like everyone’s support system but your own? Emotional boundaries help us prevent this by defining where our feelings end and another’s begin. They act as limits for how others treat us and help us manage their emotions without neglecting our own needs. Without strong boundaries, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed,…
So you think you might be a people-pleaser? What harm can it do? After all, you love helping others. It seems like a win for everyone, right? But the truth is, the danger of being a people pleaser goes deeper than you think. It’s not just about kindness. It’s a behavior that slowly chips away…
Self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful personal growth. It helps us recognize patterns that may be holding us back. Two common but often misunderstood patterns are people-pleasing and codependency. While they’re closely linked, they aren’t the same. People-pleasing is the habit of prioritizing others’ needs above your own to avoid conflict or gain approval….
When did you last celebrate something you achieved? Not something for your family, your job, or anyone else—but for you? The other day, my cousin tagged me in an old newspaper photo from our school days. There I was, standing in the winners’ line-up, beaming with pride. But the funny thing is—I couldn’t even remember…
This post dives into the codependency triangle and how it impacts relationships. For years, I felt my marriage was falling apart, but I couldn’t pinpoint why. We didn’t argue, but we didn’t connect either. With my girls leaving home, I felt lost. Then, one day, one of them casually told me not to worry because…
