If you're tired of avoiding conflict, walking on eggshells, or losing yourself to keep the peace, this episode is for you. Join me as I explore the real cost of people-pleasing, and a different way forward that doesn't require becoming confrontational.

People-pleasing often develops as a way to stay safe and connected, especially when conflict felt overwhelming or dangerous earlier in life. But in adult relationships, that same strategy can lead to disconnection, resentment, and a loss of intimacy.

In this episode, we look at why naming your feelings and needs can feel so scary, how fear of conflict fuels people-pleasing, and what helps couples become conflict-confident instead of conflict-avoidant. Using insights from Nonviolent Communication (NVC), this conversation points toward a way of relating where honesty feels safer, connection runs deeper, and you don't have to abandon yourself to keep the relationship intact.

Connect with your host, Ali Miller:

Training + Coaching

Explore my 9-week private coaching program for couples: Stop Fighting! (without stuffing your feelings or sacrificing your needs): https://www.alimillercoaching.com/stopfighting

Free Resources

Feelings & Needs Cheatsheets: https://www.alimillercoaching.com/feelingsandneeds
Free Mini-Course: The 4 Steps to Stop Any Fight Without Giving In https://www.alimillercoaching.com/freeminicourse

Connect with Ali

Instagram: @alimillercoaching
Free Private Facebook Group: NVC for Couples https://www.facebook.com/groups/nvcforcouples
Email: ali@alimillercoaching.com
Website: https://www.alimillercoaching.com

43: The Antidote to People-Pleasing