Definition: The slow, toxic erosion of your personal limits caused by chronic people-pleasing. It happens when you constantly say “yes” to avoid discomfort, letting others’ demands seep into your time, energy, and sense of self until you’re emotionally waterlogged and resentful.
You don’t notice the seepage at first – just a skipped lunch here, an ignored need there. But like a leaky dam, the cumulative pressure weakens your structure until you crack, flooded by exhaustion and bitterness towards everyone who “took advantage,” forgetting you handed them the bucket.
Example: