10 signs you’re secretly sacrificing who you are to make others happy

We often find ourselves going the extra mile to make others happy, don’t we? But are we forgetting about our own happiness in the process?

You might not believe it, but sometimes, trying too hard to please others can make us lose sight of who we are.

So, let’s dive into the 10 signs that show you’re secretly sacrificing your own happiness for others.

1. You’re Constantly Feeling Drained

When we say drained, we’re not just talking about feeling physically tired. It’s more than that. It’s about feeling emotionally and mentally exhausted.

If you always feel like you’re running on empty, that might be a sign you’re putting too much of your energy into making others happy.

Imagine your energy as a battery. Each time you go out of your way to please someone else, it’s like you’re using a bit of your charge.

But here’s the thing, if you’re always giving out energy and not getting enough back, eventually, your battery will go flat. And trust me, running on low battery isn’t fun for anyone.

If you’re always feeling worn out, it might be time to ask yourself – are you spending too much of your ‘battery’ on others and not leaving enough for yourself?

2. Your Needs Always Come Last

Ever notice that your to-do list is filled with tasks for other people, and your own needs get tacked on at the end… if they make it on the list at all?

This could be another sign that you’re sacrificing your own happiness to please others.

It’s great to be there for people when they need you, but not if it means your own needs never get met.

Whether it’s skipping lunch to run an errand for a friend, or canceling your gym session to help a colleague with a project, constantly putting others’ needs before your own can leave you feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.

Remember, it’s not selfish to prioritize yourself. After all, if your needs aren’t met, how can you be expected to meet the needs of others?

So, if your own tasks and well-being constantly take a backseat to others’, it might be time to rethink how much of yourself you’re giving away.

3. You Struggle to Say No

Does the word ‘No’ feel like a foreign language to you? I know how that feels. I used to be a chronic people-pleaser, always saying yes to everything, even when I didn’t have the time or energy.

For example, I remember when a friend asked me to help with a last-minute party. I had already had a jam-packed day and was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.

But instead of saying no, I found myself rushing off to the party, doing all the setup, and even staying late to clean up.

On my way home, all I felt was exhaustion and frustration. Why? Because I had pushed my own needs aside just to avoid disappointing someone else.

If your fear of saying ‘No’ means you’re constantly taking on more than you can handle, it might be a sign that you’re sacrificing your own happiness to make others happy.

If you’re like me and struggle with this, remember that it’s okay to say no sometimes. Your time and energy are valuable, and it’s important to protect them.

4. You’re Always Apologizing

Do you find yourself saying ‘sorry’ all the time, even when it’s not necessary?

People who have a habit of over-apologizing may have lower self-esteem and feel a constant need to please others.

If you’re always apologizing for things that are out of your control or aren’t your fault, it could be because you’re worried about disappointing others.

You might feel that if you don’t apologize, people won’t like you or might think less of you.

But remember, it’s not your job to manage other people’s feelings all the time.

And you definitely don’t need to say sorry for being yourself or looking after your own needs.

5. You Feel Responsible for Others’ Happiness

Do you often feel like it’s your job to keep everyone around you happy? This is a heavy burden to carry.

It’s like you’re wearing a backpack filled with bricks, each brick representing someone else’s happiness. The more people you try to please, the heavier your backpack gets.

We all want our loved ones to be happy, but the truth is, we can’t control how others feel, and it’s not our job to try.

Everyone is responsible for their own happiness.

If you’re constantly trying to keep everyone else happy and it’s causing you stress or sadness, it might be time to set down that backpack and focus on your own happiness for a while.

You are not responsible for everyone else’s emotions. It’s okay to take care of yourself and prioritize your own happiness too.

After all, you deserve to feel joy and contentment as much as anyone else.

6. You’re Always Seeking Approval

I’ll be honest, I used to be quite the approval-seeker. I found myself constantly adjusting my behavior, my choices, even my opinions, just to fit in with what I thought others wanted to see.

For example, once I was at a book club meeting discussing a book that I honestly didn’t enjoy.

But when everyone else was raving about it, instead of voicing my true feelings, I found myself nodding along and pretending to love it too.

If you’re always seeking validation or approval from others, you might be neglecting your own feelings and beliefs.

This can be a sign that you’re sacrificing who you are to make others happy.

Remember, your opinion matters. Your feelings are valid. And you don’t need to seek approval from others for them.

Learning to trust and value your own viewpoints is a big step towards embracing who you are.

7. You Feel Resentful

If you’re constantly bending over backwards to keep others happy, resentment can creep in. You might start to feel like you’re being taken advantage of, or that your efforts are going unnoticed.

It’s an ugly feeling, isn’t it? That bubbling anger and frustration when you realize you’re always giving, and rarely receiving.

You’re the one sacrificing your time, your energy, even your happiness, and for what? For others to just accept it as a given?

If you’re feeling a growing sense of resentment, it’s a pretty clear sign that you’re giving too much of yourself away.

Remember, it’s okay to step back and reassess. It’s okay to demand respect and equality in your relationships. Your efforts are valuable and deserve recognition.

8. You Feel Unfulfilled

Ever feel like something is missing from your life, even when you’re constantly busy and helping others?

People who engage in self-sacrificing behavior for the sake of others’ happiness often report feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied with their lives.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but always putting others first can leave you feeling empty inside. It’s because you’re neglecting your own needs and desires.

You might be doing a million things for other people, but if you’re not doing anything for yourself, it can lead to feelings of unfulfillment.

So, if you’re feeling like something’s missing, it could be a sign that you’re sacrificing too much of yourself to keep others happy.

Remember, it’s important to make time for yourself and do things that bring you joy and satisfaction.

9. You’re Losing Touch with Your Own Interests and Passions

I remember a time when I was so focused on pleasing others that I completely lost touch with my own interests.

I used to love painting, but I got so caught up in accommodating everyone else’s needs that I stopped making time for it.

One day, when I passed by a beautiful landscape that I would have loved to paint, I realized just how much I missed it.

If you’re constantly prioritizing others’ needs over your own, you might find that your own hobbies and passions have fallen by the wayside.

You might even start to feel like you’re losing your sense of self.

If this resonates with you, remember it’s okay – and important – to make time for your passions.

They’re a crucial part of who you are and can bring you a lot of happiness.

So pick up that paintbrush, lace up those hiking boots, or do whatever it is that you love. It’s time to reconnect with yourself.

10. You’re Ignoring Your Own Health and Well-being

If you’re neglecting your own health – whether it’s skipping meals, losing sleep, or ignoring signs of stress – just to keep others happy, you’re sacrificing way too much.

Our health isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s the foundation of our ability to function and enjoy life.

If you’re constantly putting it on the back burner, it’s not just a sign that you’re sacrificing your happiness for others, but also that you might be causing harm to your physical and mental well-being.

Remember, your health matters. You matter. It’s important to take care of yourself.

So, if you’ve been ignoring your health for the sake of others, it might be time to hit pause and give yourself the care and attention you deserve.