Definition: The exhausting art of sculpting yourself into everyone’s emotional doormat while calling it ‘being nice’. You’ll enthusiastically agree to things that drain you, suppress your opinions to avoid waves, and serve your sanity on a self-sacrifice sundae – all for the fleeting high of external approval.
This martyrdom masquerading as generosity inevitably leads to a brutal resentment hangover and profound burnout. You blame others for not appreciating your invisible labor, ignoring that you volunteered for the job without pay. It’s a slow soul erosion where the only boundary you maintain is the one trapping your own needs.
Example:
Maya agreed to host the chaotic family reunion again, silencing her dread for a moment of praise, only to feel bitter exhaustion later.
He canceled his own plans for the third time to help Dave move, craving gratitude but brewing quiet fury inside as his weekend vanished.