You most likely want to be liked. That’s human. But somewhere along the line, the goal of connection can shift into performance. Suddenly, you’re buying things you can’t afford, saying things you don’t believe, and chasing approval from people who wouldn’t notice if you disappeared tomorrow. The worst part? You often don’t realize you’re doing it until you feel drained, anxious, and stuck trying to keep up appearances.
If you’re tired of keeping up with people who make you feel like you’re never enough, it might be time for a reset.
You Say “Yes” Even When You Want to Say “No”
If your calendar is packed with things you secretly dread, ask yourself who you’re doing it for. True friends don’t need you to run yourself ragged just to stay on their radar.
You’re Spending Money to Look Successful
A CNBC report found that 40% of millennials have gone into debt to keep up appearances. If your bank account is crying but your outfit screams “CEO,” it might be time to re-evaluate who you’re dressing for.
You Feel Anxious After Hanging Out With Certain People
The right people leave you energized. The wrong ones leave you spiraling. Pay attention to how you feel after the party ends. Also, watch out for those who only sap the energy out of you and do not reciprocate in any way.
You Filter Your Personality to Fit In
Maybe you downplay your hobbies. Or hide your opinions. If you’re constantly editing yourself like a resume, the people you’re trying to impress probably aren’t worth it.
You Post for Praise, Not Connection
Social media should be fun, not a stage. If you’re choosing captions based on what’ll get the most likes instead of what’s real, that’s a red flag. It’s draining and would lead to a very dependent state.
You Mimic Their Tastes to Be “In”
You suddenly love sushi, even though you hate fish. You pretend to care about NFTs, even though you still don’t know what they are. If your tastes change with your circle, ask yourself who’s really in charge.
You Ignore Your Gut
Deep down, you know something feels off. But you push that voice away because being liked feels more urgent than being honest. Listen to that nudge. It’s trying to protect you. Always trust your guts.
You Constantly Feel “Less Than”
Harvard research shows that comparing ourselves to others on social media is linked to increased depression, especially among young adults. If the people you admire always make you feel behind, it’s not admiration, it’s emotional sabotage.
You’re Afraid to Be Vulnerable
You keep things surface-level. Always fine. Always chill. If you can’t share your lows with someone, then their applause at your highs doesn’t mean much. If you can’t share because you always want to appear perfect to them, then you’re in the wrong setting.
You Measure Your Value Through Their Validation
If one compliment can make your day, and one rude sentence can ruin it, that’s a sign your self-worth is outsourced. Reclaim it. Be proud of yourself, no matter what, and understand that you are your greatest cheerleader.
You Tolerate Disrespect to Stay Included
They make jokes at your expense. They talk over you. Yet, you keep showing up. You’re not being loyal, you’re settling. That is extremely bad for your mental health and could lead to a depressive state if you keep on with it.
You’ve Lost Touch With Who You Were Before Them
Think back five years. What did you love? What did you believe in? If you’ve let go of everything that made you you, just to fit in, that is a big problem. It’s time to reconnect to the authentic you.
You’re Exhausted Trying to Keep Up
A Mental Health Foundation report found that 60% of young people feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed socially and professionally. If you’re always “on” and never at peace, it may be because you’re chasing approval that doesn’t feed you.
You’re Waiting for Them to Change
You keep hoping they’ll notice you more. Support you better. But the truth is, the right people wouldn’t need a memo on how to treat you. If you have experienced and keep experiencing negative actions from them, it’s time to be more respectful to yourself and keep your distance.
You Keep Thinking, “If I Just…”
“If I just lose ten pounds.” “If I just get promoted.” If the goalposts keep moving, the people you’re trying to win over aren’t looking to accept you; they’re looking to control the game.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
