What if approval-seeking isn’t about being liked…
but about avoiding the feeling of not enough?

In this episode, I’m unpacking the truth behind approval addiction—how the fear of criticism is really the fear of feeling small, diminished, or invalid… and how that fear quietly drives patterns like people-pleasing,perfectionism, and keeping the peace at your own expense.

I share areal-life example of moving from reactivity to connection (a moment with my 3-year-old granddaughter—she was scared, I felt annoyed… and what unfolded fromthere surprised me)

The shift isn’t about trying harder to “get it right.”
It’s about telling the truth.

In This Episode, We Explore:

*Why approval-seeking is really a fear of “not enough”

*How the fear of criticism drives perfectionism and people-pleasing

*The connection between approval addiction and control in parenting

*How these patterns often begin in childhood as a way to stay connected

*A real-life example of moving from reactivity to connection

*How self-connection shifts everything—without force or control

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or another mom who might need to hear this today.

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Let’s Connect:
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Working Together:
Diane Sorensen Coachingis where boundary work becomes the bridge from chaos to connection. You’ll learn to transform your triggers,lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe, connected relationships built on authenticity, not approval.
Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH, and live FREE

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281. Approval Addiction: Why We Abandon Ourselves to Keep the Peace