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In this episode of The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast, Dr. Allison Sucamele explores a subtle but powerful distinction that shapes relationships, burnout, and self-worth: the difference between authentic kindness and people pleasing.

On the surface, they can look identical - being helpful, agreeable, and generous. But internally, they come from very different places. Authentic kindness is rooted in choice, alignment, and self-respect. People pleasing is driven by fear, survival, and the nervous system’s need for safety.

Together, we unpack:

• How people pleasing often develops as a trauma-informed survival response (including the fawn response)
• Why women and trauma survivors are especially conditioned to prioritize others over themselves
• The psychological cost of chronic self-abandonment
• Practical litmus tests to tell whether your “yes” is grounded or fear-based
• Gentle ways to begin setting boundaries without guilt or losing connection

This episode is an invitation to move toward a kinder, more honest way of relating - one where generosity doesn’t require self-erasure, and boundaries and compassion work together.

As always, this episode is for education and reflection, not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you’re in emotional distress, please reach out to a licensed professional or call/text 988 in the U.S. for 24/7 support.

References & Resources

People Pleasing, Codependency & Trauma

• Harriet Braiker, The Disease to Please
  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60497.The_Disease_to_Please
  
  
• Psychology Today – The Fawn Response
  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/fight-flight-freeze
  
  
• Psych Central – Fawning Trauma Response
  https://psychcentral.com/health/fawn-response
  
  

Self-Compassion

• Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion
  https://self-compassion.org
  
  
• Free Self-Compassion Scale & practices
  https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test
  
  

Boundaries & Assertiveness

• Robert Alberti & Michael Emmons, Your Perfect Right
  https://www.amazon.com/Your-Perfect-Right-Assertiveness/dp/1891280010
  
  
• Nedra Glover Tawwab, Set Boundaries, Find Peace
  https://www.nedratawwab.com
  
  

Additional Mental Health Support

• U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  https://988lifeline.org

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Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing