Are You Mad at Me?

Are you constantly worried about what people think of you—if they like you, if they’re mad at you? Do you overextend yourself, avoid conflict, or find yourself over-apologizing, only to feel resentful afterward? In Are You Mad at Me? , Meg Josephson explores fawning, an instinct learned in childhood to stay safe by becoming more appealing, agreeable, and helpful to perceived threats. Over time, this instinct disconnects us from who we are, what we want, and what we prefer. Josephson shows you how to do the following: -Identify all the roles you might play (from peacekeeper to performer to caretaker to lone wolf to perfectionist to chameleon) that keep you far from yourself -Stop fearing your thoughts and emotions, even if they’re unpleasant -Rethink conflict and boundaries as an opening for deeper connection -Practice “leaning back” in relationships -Recognize when people-pleasing is actually necessary (with your chaotic boss) and when it’s not (with your close friends) and stop self-loathing when you slip into old patterns -Shift away from the familiar chaos, anxiety, and resentment you’re used to as you move closer to yourself and to a life that no longer depletes you Josephson offers a path out of people-pleasing, transforming your relationships so you can stop focusing on what others think and start honoring your own needs.