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Why you need to stop being a people pleaser

Michael
MichaelFounder & Host, Sober Psychology
September 24, 2026 1:25 READ/WATCH
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People-pleasing isn’t kindness—it’s a covert contract designed to control the outcome.

If you spend your life anticipating the needs of others to avoid conflict, you are likely engaging in emotional manipulation rather than genuine empathy. This breakdown explores why you must stop prioritizing external validation over setting boundaries.

This video is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Michael

About Michael

I'm Michael, a mental health creator, recovered alcoholic, future therapist, and the host of Sober Psychology. After realizing how much of the traditional mental health conversation misses the mark, I decided to build a space dedicated to raw, unfiltered self-examination and personal healing. My approach combines psychological principles with brutal honesty and hard truths, cutting through the noise to help people navigate their own growth. No toxic positivity, no hidden shame—just real conversations about what it actually takes to heal.