6+ Ways: Stop People Pleasing (Reddit Tips)


6+ Ways: Stop People Pleasing (Reddit Tips)

The phrase “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit” represents a standard on-line question. It signifies a person’s seek for strategies and techniques to beat the compulsion to persistently prioritize the wants and needs of others above one’s personal. This usually manifests as problem saying “no,” looking for exterior validation, and experiencing anxiousness or resentment because of habitually accommodating others. The frequency of this question on platforms like Reddit signifies a widespread want for steerage on establishing more healthy boundaries and fostering self-respect.

Addressing the tendency to prioritize others’ wants excessively can yield vital advantages. It allows people to say their very own wants and needs, resulting in improved shallowness and diminished emotions of being exploited or taken benefit of. Traditionally, societal pressures and gender roles have contributed to this conduct, notably for girls, making the deconstruction of those ingrained patterns a vital step towards private empowerment and emotional well-being. Moreover, wholesome relationships are constructed on mutual respect and reciprocity, which necessitates the power to advocate for oneself.

The following sections will discover particular methods and views for overcoming this behavioral sample. These will cowl setting boundaries, working towards self-compassion, figuring out the foundation causes of the compulsion, and growing communication abilities for asserting one’s wants successfully. Understanding these components is key to fostering more healthy relationships and a stronger sense of self-worth.

1. Boundaries

The institution and upkeep of wholesome boundaries are elementary to addressing the underlying points related to an extreme need to please others. An absence of outlined boundaries usually perpetuates the cycle of prioritizing exterior wants over inner well-being, contributing considerably to the behaviors and anxieties related to the web question, “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Figuring out Private Limits

    The preliminary step includes a cautious evaluation of private limits. This requires recognizing what one is snug with, each by way of time, power, and emotional funding. For instance, persistently agreeing to work time beyond regulation regardless of private exhaustion or accepting duty for duties that fall outdoors of 1’s job description signifies a necessity for firmer boundaries. An individual looking for steerage on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit” would profit from introspection to pinpoint these areas of overextension.

  • Speaking Boundaries Clearly

    Efficient communication is essential for implementing boundaries. This includes stating limits clearly and immediately, with out extreme rationalization or apology. As an example, responding to a request with a easy “I’m unable to decide to that presently” is more practical than a prolonged justification that would invite negotiation or manipulation. People usually wrestle with clearly stating their boundaries, fearing damaging reactions. This anxiousness is a standard theme in discussions surrounding “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Imposing Penalties for Boundary Violations

    Boundaries are solely efficient if they’re persistently enforced. When others disregard acknowledged limits, acceptable penalties have to be applied. This may contain refusing additional requests, limiting contact, or escalating the difficulty to a supervisor or HR division in an expert setting. Inconsistent enforcement weakens boundaries and reinforces the idea that one’s wants are much less necessary, additional fueling the cycle that prompts searches for “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Distinguishing Between Cheap Requests and Exploitation

    An important facet of boundary setting includes differentiating between reputable requests for help and makes an attempt at exploitation. Providing assist inside affordable limits is a attribute of wholesome relationships; nevertheless, persistently being requested to shoulder burdens that others ought to bear themselves signifies a possible boundary violation. Studying to discern these patterns is vital for people looking for steerage on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit,” enabling them to guard their time and power from undue calls for.

The power to determine, talk, and implement private limits is important for people striving to cut back the compulsion to please others. Failure to ascertain these boundaries perpetuates a cycle of resentment and burnout, reinforcing the necessity for exterior validation and inhibiting the event of a robust sense of self-worth. The methods outlined above handle the core points usually mentioned in boards and articles associated to “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit,” offering a framework for constructing more healthy interpersonal relationships and prioritizing private well-being.

2. Self-worth

A major connection exists between a person’s self-worth and the frequency of searches associated to “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” Diminished self-worth incessantly serves as a foundational trigger for the compulsion to prioritize others’ wants, making a dependency on exterior validation. When people lack a robust inner sense of worth, they usually search affirmation by acts of service or settlement, hoping to bolster their shallowness by the approval of others. The pursuit of such validation turns into a cycle, perpetuating the necessity to please and thereby reinforcing the preliminary lack of self-worth. For instance, an individual who persistently agrees to tackle additional work, regardless of feeling overwhelmed, could also be doing so to show their worth to their colleagues or superiors, quite than from a real need to contribute. This conduct stems from a perception that their price is contingent upon their productiveness and helpfulness.

The cultivation of self-worth is due to this fact a vital element in addressing the core drivers behind the urge to continually search exterior approval, as explored in boards addressing “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” Specializing in inner validation mechanisms, akin to recognizing private strengths, acknowledging accomplishments, and working towards self-compassion, helps to construct a extra strong sense of shallowness that isn’t reliant on the opinions or approval of others. This inner reinforcement permits people to make decisions based mostly on their very own wants and values, quite than solely on the perceived needs of others. Moreover, people with larger self-worth are much less prone to tolerate mistreatment or exploitation, setting clearer boundaries and advocating for their very own wants with larger confidence. For instance, quite than routinely agreeing to a request, a person with a robust sense of self-worth may consider the request based mostly on its impression on their private well-being and reply accordingly, even when it means declining the request.

In conclusion, the connection between self-worth and the necessity to continually please others is one in all trigger and impact. Low self-worth usually drives the compulsion to hunt exterior validation by acts of service, whereas constructing self-worth diminishes this dependency and empowers people to prioritize their very own wants and bounds. Whereas the journey towards improved self-worth might current challenges, notably in dismantling deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviors, it stays a elementary facet of breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reaching a extra balanced and fulfilling life, a aim central to the discussions discovered inside “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

3. Assertiveness

Assertiveness, outlined as the power to precise one’s wants and opinions clearly and respectfully with out infringing upon the rights of others, immediately counters the core conduct patterns related to the question “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” The continual suppression of 1’s personal wants, pushed by a concern of battle or rejection, is a major attribute of the people-pleasing tendency. This suppression usually stems from a perception that asserting oneself will inevitably result in damaging penalties, akin to broken relationships or social disapproval. Nonetheless, an absence of assertiveness reinforces the cycle, resulting in resentment, burnout, and a diminished sense of self-worth, in the end exacerbating the necessity for exterior validation, a driving pressure behind the web search “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” As an example, a person persistently agreeing to tackle additional work, even when already overburdened, demonstrates an absence of assertiveness. This settlement, meant to achieve favor or keep away from battle, leads to elevated stress and diminished private time, additional fueling the cycle of prioritizing others’ wants.

The cultivation of assertiveness includes a number of key abilities, together with the power to say “no” with out extreme justification, to precise disagreement respectfully, and to immediately talk one’s wants and expectations. Assertive communication is just not synonymous with aggression; quite, it focuses on expressing oneself truthfully and immediately whereas respecting the rights and views of others. A person looking for steerage on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit” may profit from working towards assertive communication methods in low-stakes conditions, akin to politely declining an invite or expressing a choice for a unique restaurant. This gradual method builds confidence and reduces the anxiousness related to asserting oneself. Moreover, understanding the distinction between assertive, passive, and aggressive communication kinds is essential for growing efficient communication methods. Passive communication, characterised by the suppression of 1’s personal wants, reinforces the people-pleasing conduct, whereas aggressive communication, characterised by disregard for the rights of others, can harm relationships and create battle. Assertive communication strikes a stability, permitting people to advocate for themselves whereas sustaining constructive relationships.

In abstract, assertiveness represents a significant element in breaking free from the sample of extreme people-pleasing. Growing the abilities obligatory to speak one’s wants and bounds successfully reduces the dependency on exterior validation, fosters a stronger sense of self-worth, and promotes more healthy interpersonal relationships. Whereas the transition from passive to assertive communication might current challenges, notably in overcoming deeply ingrained patterns of conduct, it represents a vital step in the direction of reaching a extra balanced and fulfilling life, a aim central to these looking for insights on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” Overcoming the concern of battle and embracing the appropriate to advocate for one’s personal wants is important for breaking the cycle of prioritizing others and constructing a extra genuine and self-respecting existence.

4. Self-compassion

Self-compassion, characterised by kindness, acceptance, and understanding towards oneself in periods of perceived inadequacy or struggling, presents a vital counterpoint to the behavioral patterns fueling the question “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” The inherent tendency to prioritize the wants of others usually stems from a deep-seated concern of rejection or disapproval, which is incessantly exacerbated by self-criticism and harsh self-judgment. Cultivating self-compassion can mitigate these damaging self-perceptions, fostering a safer sense of self-worth that’s much less reliant on exterior validation.

  • Recognizing Self-Criticism

    The preliminary step in growing self-compassion includes recognizing and acknowledging the presence of self-critical ideas. People vulnerable to looking for exterior approval usually harbor intense inner dialogues that emphasize perceived flaws and shortcomings. As an example, after declining a request, an individual may expertise a barrage of self-recriminations, questioning their worth and fearing the results of their actions. Recognizing these patterns is important for interrupting the cycle of damaging self-talk and initiating a extra compassionate response. This self-awareness is paramount for anybody looking for methods associated to “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit”.

  • Treating Oneself with Kindness

    As soon as self-criticism is acknowledged, the following step includes consciously responding with kindness and understanding. This entails treating oneself as one would deal with a pal in an analogous state of affairs, providing phrases of encouragement and help quite than harsh judgment. For instance, as an alternative of berating oneself for making a mistake, a self-compassionate particular person would acknowledge the error, study from it, and transfer ahead with out dwelling on self-blame. This proactive method to self-care fosters resilience and reduces the anxiousness related to perceived failures, a standard theme in discussions surrounding “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Understanding Frequent Humanity

    Self-compassion additionally includes recognizing that struggling and imperfection are inherent features of the human expertise. The assumption that one ought to at all times be succesful, competent, and pleasing to others is unrealistic and unsustainable. Understanding that everybody makes errors and experiences setbacks can alleviate the strain to continually attempt for unattainable perfection. This angle permits people to just accept their imperfections and deal with themselves with larger leniency. Recognizing this commonality is key to addressing the pressures related to fixed people-pleasing, usually detailed in queries associated to “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit”.

  • Practising Mindfulness

    Mindfulness, the follow of being attentive to the current second with out judgment, can even improve self-compassion. By observing ideas and emotions with out getting carried away by them, people can acquire a larger understanding of their emotional reactions and develop a extra balanced perspective. This consciousness will help to interrupt the cycle of self-criticism and create house for a extra compassionate response. For instance, when experiencing anxiousness about setting a boundary, a conscious particular person may acknowledge the anxiousness with out judgment, permitting it to move with out reacting impulsively. This skill to look at and settle for feelings with out judgment is a useful instrument for anybody looking for steerage on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit”.

In conclusion, cultivating self-compassion supplies a strong antidote to the self-criticism and concern of rejection that always drive the compulsion to continually please others. By recognizing self-critical ideas, treating oneself with kindness, understanding widespread humanity, and working towards mindfulness, people can foster a safer sense of self-worth that’s much less reliant on exterior validation. This inner shift can empower people to set boundaries, assert their wants, and prioritize their very own well-being, in the end breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reaching a extra balanced and fulfilling life, a core goal for these exploring “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

5. Wants identification

Efficient wants identification kinds a cornerstone in addressing the behavioral patterns related to the phrase “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” The tendency to prioritize the needs and necessities of others incessantly originates from a deficit in recognizing, understanding, and valuing one’s personal wants. People combating this imbalance usually exhibit a sample of neglecting their inner necessities, resulting in resentment, burnout, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Due to this fact, a deliberate and systematic exploration of 1’s personal wants turns into a prerequisite for establishing more healthy boundaries and fostering a extra balanced method to interpersonal relationships.

  • Differentiating Wants from Needs

    Distinguishing between real wants and mere desires is essential. A necessity represents a elementary requirement for bodily or psychological well-being, akin to satisfactory relaxation, nutritious meals, emotional help, or mental stimulation. A need, then again, is a need that isn’t important for survival or total well-being. Complicated desires with wants can result in a perpetual cycle of striving for fleeting gratification, whereas neglecting the underlying, elementary necessities for a satisfying life. For instance, persistently prioritizing social engagements over satisfactory sleep, pushed by a need for social acceptance, represents a failure to acknowledge and prioritize the necessity for relaxation, a standard concern highlighted in discussions on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit”.

  • Figuring out Emotional Wants

    Recognizing and validating emotional wants is especially necessary. These embody necessities for connection, autonomy, competence, and that means. Suppressing or ignoring emotional wants can result in emotions of vacancy, anxiousness, and despair, which in flip might gasoline the will to hunt exterior validation by people-pleasing behaviors. For instance, a person who persistently sacrifices private time to assist others, whereas neglecting their very own want for leisure and self-care, could also be trying to compensate for an absence of emotional success in different areas of their life. Addressing these unmet emotional wants immediately, quite than looking for exterior validation, is a key step in breaking free from the cycle that prompts the seek for “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Prioritizing Self-Care Actions

    As soon as wants have been recognized, prioritizing self-care actions that handle these wants turns into important. This includes allocating time and assets to actions that promote bodily, emotional, and psychological well-being. Self-care is just not synonymous with selfishness; quite, it represents a proactive effort to keep up one’s total well being and vitality, enabling one to interact extra successfully in relationships and different life pursuits. People looking for steerage on “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit” can profit from making a self-care plan that includes actions that handle their particular wants, akin to train, meditation, spending time in nature, or partaking in artistic pursuits.

  • Speaking Wants Assertively

    Lastly, speaking one’s wants assertively to others is essential for establishing wholesome boundaries and fostering mutually respectful relationships. This includes expressing wants clearly and immediately, with out apology or justification, whereas respecting the rights and views of others. Worry of battle or rejection usually inhibits the power to speak wants assertively, perpetuating the cycle of people-pleasing. Nonetheless, studying to precise one’s wants in a respectful and assured method is important for making a extra balanced and fulfilling life. This assertive communication immediately addresses the challenges confronted by people trying to find “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit,” empowering them to advocate for their very own well-being.

In abstract, efficient wants identification represents a vital element in addressing the underlying drivers of people-pleasing conduct. By differentiating wants from desires, figuring out emotional wants, prioritizing self-care actions, and speaking wants assertively, people can foster a stronger sense of self-worth, set up more healthy boundaries, and create extra balanced and fulfilling relationships. These methods immediately handle the problems raised within the on-line question “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit,” offering a framework for private development and improved well-being.

6. Guilt administration

Efficient guilt administration is a vital ability for people looking for steerage associated to “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.” The shortcoming to handle emotions of guilt usually fuels the cycle of prioritizing others’ wants above one’s personal, resulting in resentment, burnout, and a diminished sense of self-worth. These emotions can come up when people understand themselves as violating implicit social expectations or failing to satisfy the calls for of others, no matter their very own private well-being. The following sections will delve into key sides of guilt administration, elucidating their function in breaking free from patterns of extreme people-pleasing.

  • Figuring out the Supply of Guilt

    The preliminary step in efficient guilt administration includes figuring out the origin of the sensation. Is the guilt stemming from a real violation of moral rules or from unrealistic expectations imposed by oneself or others? Differentiating between reputable and illegitimate guilt is essential. As an example, declining a request attributable to a previous dedication might induce guilt, even when honoring the prior dedication is the accountable plan of action. Recognizing that the guilt arises from an exterior strain, quite than a private transgression, permits for a extra goal evaluation of the state of affairs. This recognition is important for these exploring “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Difficult Cognitive Distortions

    Guilt is commonly amplified by cognitive distortions, akin to catastrophizing, overgeneralization, or personalization. Catastrophizing includes exaggerating the damaging penalties of 1’s actions, whereas overgeneralization includes drawing sweeping conclusions based mostly on a single occasion. Personalization includes attributing blame to oneself for occasions past one’s management. Difficult these cognitive distortions requires analyzing the proof and reframing the state of affairs in a extra reasonable and balanced mild. For instance, as an alternative of assuming that declining a request will completely harm a relationship, one can think about previous interactions and acknowledge that wholesome relationships can stand up to occasional disagreements. Addressing these distortions is immediately related to methods for “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Setting Real looking Expectations

    Unrealistic expectations, each of oneself and of others, contribute considerably to emotions of guilt. Striving for unattainable ranges of perfection or persistently trying to satisfy the wants of everybody can result in continual disappointment and self-blame. Setting extra reasonable expectations includes accepting limitations, acknowledging that it’s not possible to please everybody, and prioritizing one’s personal well-being. As an example, as an alternative of feeling responsible for not being obtainable 24/7, one can set up clear boundaries and talk availability realistically. These reasonable parameters might be key to customers looking out “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

  • Practising Self-Forgiveness

    Even when a mistake has been made, working towards self-forgiveness is important for shifting ahead. Holding onto guilt and self-blame perpetuates damaging feelings and hinders private development. Self-forgiveness includes acknowledging the error, taking duty for one’s actions, studying from the expertise, and releasing the self-condemnation. It doesn’t imply condoning the conduct however quite accepting that errors are part of the human expertise and that one deserves compassion and understanding. This follow is vital for people looking for to interrupt free from the cycle of people-pleasing, a frequent theme in discussions surrounding “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit.”

In conclusion, mastering guilt administration is integral to breaking free from the compulsion to continually please others. By figuring out the supply of guilt, difficult cognitive distortions, setting reasonable expectations, and working towards self-forgiveness, people can domesticate a extra balanced and self-compassionate lifestyle. These methods handle the core points that contribute to the web search “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit,” offering a pathway towards improved emotional well-being and more healthy interpersonal relationships.

Steadily Requested Questions

The next part addresses widespread inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the difficulty of extreme people-pleasing. These questions intention to offer readability and steerage for people looking for to beat this behavioral sample.

Query 1: Is it inherently fallacious to wish to please others?

The will to keep up constructive relationships and contribute to the well-being of others is a pure and wholesome human inclination. Nonetheless, the tendency turns into problematic when it overrides a person’s personal wants and bounds, resulting in emotions of resentment, burnout, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The important thing lies in placing a stability between consideration for others and respect for oneself.

Query 2: How can one differentiate between real kindness and people-pleasing?

Real kindness stems from a real need to assist, with out anticipating something in return. It’s a voluntary act that aligns with one’s values and doesn’t compromise one’s personal well-being. Folks-pleasing, then again, is commonly pushed by a concern of rejection or a necessity for exterior validation. It includes persistently prioritizing the wants of others, even at one’s personal expense.

Query 3: What are the long-term penalties of continual people-pleasing?

The long-term penalties of continual people-pleasing might be vital. They embody elevated stress ranges, anxiousness, despair, burnout, resentment, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Over time, the fixed suppression of 1’s personal wants can result in a lack of id and a sense of being managed by the expectations of others.

Query 4: Is it potential to beat the tendency to please others fully?

Full eradication of the will to please others is neither reasonable nor fascinating. The aim is to not turn out to be fully detached to the wants of others however quite to develop a more healthy stability between self-care and consideration for others. This includes studying to prioritize one’s personal wants, setting boundaries, and speaking assertively.

Query 5: What function does previous trauma play within the improvement of people-pleasing behaviors?

Previous trauma, notably experiences of abuse or neglect, can considerably contribute to the event of people-pleasing behaviors. In such circumstances, people might have discovered to prioritize the wants of their caregivers in an effort to guarantee their very own security or survival. These patterns can persist into maturity, resulting in a continual want to hunt exterior validation and keep away from battle.

Query 6: Are there particular therapeutic approaches that may assist people overcome people-pleasing tendencies?

A number of therapeutic approaches might be helpful in addressing people-pleasing behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Remedy (CBT) will help people determine and problem damaging thought patterns that contribute to the compulsion to please others. Dialectical Conduct Remedy (DBT) can improve emotional regulation abilities and enhance assertiveness. Attachment-based remedy can handle underlying points associated to early childhood experiences and relationship patterns.

Overcoming the tendency to excessively please others requires a multifaceted method involving self-awareness, boundary setting, assertiveness coaching, and self-compassion. Whereas the method could also be difficult, it may possibly result in a extra genuine and fulfilling life.

The next part will present actionable methods for implementing these rules in each day life.

Sensible Steerage

The next steerage addresses particular actions that people can implement to counteract the routine must prioritize exterior validation. Constant software of those rules can foster a stronger sense of self-worth and extra balanced interpersonal dynamics.

Tip 1: Prioritize Self-Reflection. Constant introspection is essential. Allocate devoted time for assessing private values, wants, and bounds. Journaling, meditation, or mindfulness workout routines can facilitate this course of. Understanding one’s personal inner panorama is paramount to creating knowledgeable selections that align with private well-being, quite than solely with the expectations of others.

Tip 2: Follow Assertive Communication. Direct and respectful expression of 1’s wants and opinions is key. Start with low-stakes conditions to construct confidence. Using “I” statements to convey emotions and wishes with out assigning blame is an efficient method. For instance, stating “I really feel overwhelmed when I’m requested to tackle further duties” is preferable to stating “You at all times ask me to do an excessive amount of.”

Tip 3: Set up and Implement Boundaries. Clear delineation of private limits is important. Talk these boundaries to others immediately and persistently. Be ready to implement penalties when boundaries are violated. As an example, if a colleague persistently interrupts throughout conferences, politely however firmly request that they chorus from doing so sooner or later.

Tip 4: Problem Unfavourable Self-Discuss. Acknowledge and problem self-critical ideas that gasoline the necessity for exterior validation. Substitute damaging self-statements with extra compassionate and reasonable assessments. For instance, as an alternative of pondering “I’m nugatory if I do not please everybody,” think about “I’m useful no matter whether or not I meet everybody’s expectations.”

Tip 5: Domesticate Self-Compassion. Deal with oneself with the identical kindness and understanding that one would provide a pal. Acknowledge imperfections and acknowledge that setbacks are a pure a part of life. Follow self-care actions that promote bodily, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Tip 6: Consider Relationships Objectively. Assess the reciprocity inside key relationships. Establish patterns of imbalance the place one get together persistently offers greater than they obtain. Think about adjusting the dynamics of those relationships or, if obligatory, distancing oneself from these which are persistently exploitative.

Tip 7: Search Skilled Steerage. If the compulsion to please others is deeply ingrained or considerably impacting one’s high quality of life, think about looking for skilled steerage from a therapist or counselor. A skilled skilled can present personalised help and techniques for overcoming this behavioral sample.

Constant software of those methods fosters improved shallowness, more healthy relationships, and a diminished reliance on exterior approval. This facilitates decision-making rooted in private values, resulting in a extra genuine and fulfilling life.

The following conclusion summarizes the important thing rules mentioned and reinforces the significance of ongoing self-reflection and self-compassion.

Navigating the Path Away from Folks-Pleasing

This exploration of the phrase “find out how to cease folks pleasing reddit” has illuminated the multifaceted nature of this behavioral sample. The dialogue has addressed the foundational function of self-worth, the need of building clear boundaries, the significance of assertive communication, the cultivation of self-compassion, the identification of private wants, and the efficient administration of guilt. Moreover, the evaluation thought of the impression of previous trauma and the potential advantages of looking for skilled steerage. The varied methods outlined present a framework for people looking for to interrupt free from the cycle of prioritizing exterior validation over their very own well-being.

The journey towards overcoming the tendency to excessively please others is an ongoing course of. It necessitates constant self-reflection, a willingness to problem ingrained patterns of conduct, and a dedication to prioritizing private wants. Whereas the trail might current challenges, the potential rewards a stronger sense of self, more healthy relationships, and a extra genuine existence justify the hassle. It’s paramount to keep in mind that self-respect is just not egocentric; it’s the basis upon which real and fulfilling connections with others are constructed.