13 Signs that You Might Be a PEOPLE-PLEASER and How to Overcome

11.  Do you tend to ask for permission and affirmation when trying to make decisions?

12. Do you experience anxiety when someone (anyone) is mad at you?

13.  Do you verbally agree with people even when you disagree?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be a people pleaser! Obviously, these traits are not bad to have. Being kind, polite and considering other people’s feelings add up to great company. BUT if you feel like you are living your life to only please others you are not living out God’s best for you.

I am a recovering people pleaser…scratch that, I am a people pleaser. Daily I have to remember my purpose is not to make other people happy with me, but to live out my God-given potential. Daily I need the reminder because God decided to make me sensitive, one personality test claims I am “too sensitive!

Ouch!

But, it’s true and one of the downfalls of being too sensitive is trying to avoid hurting anyone, partly because I truly care about others and partly so I don’t experience any hurt myself. Sound selfish? That’s because in some ways, it is.

I know for me, people pleasing can be my way to seek approval. I want everyone to be happy with me so I can sleep at night.

My worst fear: people being mad at me or not liking me.

Sooooo back to that daily reminder….I need it and I don’t think I am alone in that.

Verses to help you fight people pleasing:

I am not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If people pleasing were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. -Galations 1:10

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.- 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were forking for the Lord rather than for people. -Colossians 2:23

About the Author:

Rebekah loves to write she is the Director of Operations for Lane of Roses, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring and ministering to young women. She enjoys creating systems and executing a well developed plan. Organization is her love language!

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