Definition: The slow-cook pressure buildup from constantly saying “yes” to everyone else’s demands while stuffing down your own needs. Starts as harmless helpfulness but simmers into a toxic stew of resentment and exhaustion.
Eventually, this internal pressure cooker blows its lid in an explosive meltdown over something trivial—like a missing stapler—scorching relationships and leaving your “people-pleaser” rep in ashes.
Example:
After months of covering shifts and skipping lunch breaks to help colleagues, Maria snapped at Dave for borrowing her pen without asking, shocking everyone.
Ben’s constant “yes” to extra work and family demands left him drained; he finally erupted over misplaced keys, damaging his calm reputation.