Overcoming People-Pleasing in Love and Real Estate

Lauren stood in her new living room, the weight of silence heavier than the boxes surrounding her. The low ceilings she'd ignored during viewings now felt suffocating.

"Home sweet home," her husband Mike beamed, oblivious to her discomfort.

Lauren nodded, a practiced smile masking her turmoil. This house, with its dark rooms and noisy street, was everything she didn't want. Yet here they were.

As a child, Lauren learned that disagreement meant disapproval. Her parents rewarded silence with praise, equating obedience with love. "Such a good girl," they'd say when she quietly accepted their decisions. Lauren carried this lesson into adulthood, her own voice muffled by years of compliance.

During house hunting, Lauren had bitten her tongue at every turn.

Sun-filled kitchen? Too expensive, Mike said.

Quiet street? Too far from work.

Deck or balcony for reading? Its a nice to have not a must have, he stated easily while Lauren swallowed her objections.

Now, in this house that would never feel like home, Lauren realized her silence had built these walls around her.

Her people-pleasing hadn't made Mike happier - it had only made her miserable.

That night, Lauren made a decision. With shaking hands, she shared her true feelings about the house. As Mike listened, confusion turned to concern.

"Why didn't you say something?" he asked.

Lauren's truth spilled out - about the house, her childhood, her fear of conflict. It wasn't an easy conversation, but as Lauren spoke, it felt easier to share, allowing her to breathe.

In a house that didn't fit, Lauren finally found her voice.

She learned that true partnership thrives on authenticity, not constant accommodation. By always saying yes, she'd said no to the most important thing: herself.

"The Tools You Need to Stop People-Pleasing Experience was small enough to ask plenty of questions and large enough to hear from many different people from all over the world. I loved this. But I think the thing I love most is Johanna’s brilliance, clarity & compassion. She has the uncanny ability to see to the heart of the matter almost immediately yet never rushes or intrudes. She is a master at holding space and supporting clients in connecting to their strengths and organic resilience. Something we all really need right now." ~ Tina