There was a time I stayed in a work dynamic long past its expiration date. I tiptoed around someone’s moods like walking on glass—careful not to crack the surface.

I took on more than my share, constantly recalibrating to keep the peace. I told myself I could manage it if I just tried harder. But deep down, I was boiling. I wasn’t at peace—I was in survival mode…

There was a time when I could spend days — truly days — rehearsing a single conversation in my head.

I’d twist the words, polish them, soften the edges. I’d imagine their face when I spoke. Would they feel hurt? Would they pull away? Would I regret it?

More often than not, I’d say nothing. I’d tuck my truth away and convince myself: It’s not a big deal. I don’t want to make things awkward. I can let it go.

But I wasn’t really letting it go. I was hiding in the relationship — and every time I did…

You know that moment when someone asks, "How are you?" and you smile and say "Good!" even though you're running on fumes?

Or when you say yes to one more project, one more meeting, one more favor—even though your calendar is already suffocating you?

Or when you soften your opinion in a team conversation because you don't want to "rock the boat," even though you can feel the truth sitting heavy in your chest?

For the coaches, therapists, healers, and purpose-driven leaders I work with—people who've built their entire careers on showing up for others—people-pleasing doesn't look like obvious dysfunction.

It looks like being really good at your job…