Why Trying to Please Everyone Can Feel Tiring

People who constantly try to meet others’ expectations, avoid saying no, and hide their own feelings may feel very tired—even when they do not seem to have an unusually large number of responsibilities.

Research on emotional labor shows that repeatedly hiding real emotions and showing the emotions people around you expect is linked to greater emotional exhaustion and poorer mental well-being.

So, it matters not only how much we do, but also whether we do it willingly or because we feel pressure from others’ expectations and fear disappointing them.