The Disease to Please - The Problem of People Pleasing

In this powerful episode of Man, Listen, we ask a hard question: Are you being kind… or are you afraid to say no?People pleasing often looks like loyalty, love, or “just being a good person.” But underneath it can be fear, insecurity, trauma, or the need for validation. From childhood conditioning to cultural expectations — especially for Black men taught to carry, fix, and endure — we unpack how constantly prioritizing others can quietly damage your mental health.Joined by mental health counselor Heather K, we break down where people pleasing begins, how it shows up in relationships and work, and why boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re necessary. Heather offers professional insight on the connection between people pleasing, anxiety, burnout, and low self-worth, and provides practical steps to start reclaiming your voice. Learning how to exercise your boundaries is not selfish. If you’ve ever said “yes” when you meant “no,” this conversation is for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.