Learn4 min
Fear of rejection and fear of conflict
The two fears that often sit underneath people-pleasing.
1 of 3
Swipe left or right to move between cards
Fear of rejection can sound like
- "If I disagree, they might not like me anymore."
- "If I say no, they'll find someone easier to be around."
- "My value depends on being useful or agreeable."
Fear of conflict can sound like
- "Any disagreement could turn into something much bigger."
- "It's safer to just go along with it."
- "I'd rather feel resentful than deal with tension."
Both fears are usually rooted in real past experience, even when the current relationship or situation is genuinely safer. Recognising the fear as old, rather than untrue, can be a useful first step.
