THE FAWNING RESPONSE: What You Need to Know to Give It Up & STOP Abandoning Yourself

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  • Опубліковано 4 лип 2021
  • Fawning can be thought of as a step further than people-pleasing. SO, you really need to know about it. Until you become conscious of it, you may be doing it. To get your life back, and to be emerging empowered, you want to recognize it, take charge of it, and garner new insights and skills. Join in!
    HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE:
    - What The Fawning Response is
    - How it shows up
    - Why it shows up and becomes a habit
    - Seven ways you abandon yourself when you choose the fawning response
    - Why its important to see the fawning response and give it up
    Fawning can be thought of as a step further than people-pleasing. SO, you really need to know about it. Until you become conscious of it, you may be doing it. To get your life back, and to be emerging empowered, you want to recognize it, take charge of it, and garner new insights and skills.
    When you have suffered from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder--which many people who have been abused in many ways do, you may recognize that you actually respond to conflict with The Fawning Response. This term was created by therapist and abuse survivor Pete Walker in his book "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving". It's a coping mechanism, a poor one, used in an attempt to create safety in our relationships with others to garner their approval and meet their expectations. As I said, it's not a good one. It's unhealthy and damaging to yourself. Hence, self-abandonment!
    You give and give and give in toxic relationships and it's never enough, right? Hijackals always want more. Even if they tell you exactly what they want from you, when you give that exact thing to them, they want something different. Overtime, over-giving becomes a habit, and so does fawning. It's exhausting.
    One thing people who have experienced trauma don't want? More trauma. The fawning response is an attempt to prevent more trauma. IT DOESN'T WORK, but you're ever hopeful it will keep you out of the spotlight and out of hot water.
    Listen in and recognize The Fawning Response in action. If it sounds familiar, take it to heart and choose to make a change. You may think it's keeping you safe, but it actually is not. You're losing yourself, and that's not a good thing at all!
    
    If you recognize that the Fawning Response is something you want to address, I'm here to help.
    I wish you well.
    * * Remember, narcissists and other toxic people come in all genders and ages * *
    and toxic relationships can be at home, at work, at play... with your parent, boss, spouse, sibling, friend, co-worker.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I am Dr. Rhoberta Shaler, The Relationship Help Doctor.
    Are you in relationship with a Hijackal? That's someone who consistently puts you down, love-bombs and gaslights you, creates confusion and chaos, and causes you to second-guess yourself? I can help you recognize, understand, and make decisions about those kinds of narcissistic behavior…and especially, how to keep yourself (and your children) safe and sane.
    No worries about where in the world you live. I work through private, secure video conferencing. So, we can certainly work together to figure a few things out.
    CONNECT WITH ME:
    Website: www.ForRelationshipHelp.com
    Facebook: / relationshiphelpdoctor
    Twitter: @RhobertaShaler
    LinkedIn: / rhobertashaler
    Instagram: @DrRhobertaShaler
    UA-cam: / forrelationshiphelp
    Are you looking for relief from the pain, confusion and drama of toxic relationships? I can help.
    You can reclaim your personal power. Keep watching my videos on UA-cam to find strategies for changing your relationship dynamics.. When you're ready, let's talk.
    You can take advantage of my one-time. new client introductory Consultation here (only $97 for a full hour)
    www.ForRelationshipHelp.com/join
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Explore my eCourses to build your confidence in dealing with narcissistic people.
    for-relationship-help.thinkif...
    #Hijackals #toxicpeople #narcissists #difficultpeople #emotionalabuse #verbalabuse #stoptoleratingabuse #toxicrelationships #manipulation #walkingoneggshells #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #narcissisticabuse #personalitydisorder
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 76

  • @user-th3de
    @user-th3de 10 місяців тому +51

    It feels like the fawn response isn’t the problem. The problem is what our nervous system has been conditioned to believe will happen if we don’t fawn/appease.

    • @Datb2
      @Datb2 5 місяців тому +2

      YESSSSS

    • @Rosierose902
      @Rosierose902 2 місяці тому

      This is what I’ve been trying to express to my therapist thank you

  • @mysiann
    @mysiann Рік тому +53

    I have fawned for so long that I don’t know who I am or what I want/need. But videos like this give me hope!

    • @Portia620
      @Portia620 8 місяців тому +3

      Difficult, if everything was stripped from you too, and you’re at the rock-bottom start all over again and middle-age! It takes time and tons of work to look at your life at a distance in a non judgement way to understand this mess.

    • @fearlesscreationsbyj
      @fearlesscreationsbyj 3 місяці тому

      Same here.

  • @scorpiolove674
    @scorpiolove674 Рік тому +32

    Coming from a state orphanage the fawning response helped me survive but now I realize that it doesn't serve me as an autonomous adult .

  • @Hummingbird1880
    @Hummingbird1880 11 місяців тому +13

    I grew up fawning. Not only as the youngest of a dysfunctional family feeling like my existence broken the camels back but also when it all fell apart and everyone else went into fight flight and freeze, I became the stand up student, tons of friends, making dinner, cleaning. It was such a good strategy then but oh boy painful. So painful. It’s a lifetime of unlearning and I’m still finding lingering threads.

    • @kellychuba
      @kellychuba 5 місяців тому +2

      I was cinderfella too. It sucked. My family still expects it. Limited contact.

  • @JudyBarrette
    @JudyBarrette 6 місяців тому +8

    I so understand this. I think under the fawning response there is a lot of repressed angry. If you are with someone with whom you have to do this, get out. Not healthy at all.

  • @356diane
    @356diane 2 роки тому +66

    Its interesting to acknowledge how mentally strong Ive been to go on with my life but at the same time this response has gotten in the way of living. I dont think anyone who is working on this should be self critical about it. It doesnt mean you are weak, its just time to move on. Like finding the clothes that really fit you now and make you feel good when you go out. peace

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  2 роки тому +5

      A very good metaphor for it!

    • @KatWoodland
      @KatWoodland Рік тому +2

      Well said @356diane! Thank you for your comment. It has helped me.

    • @chirokathleen
      @chirokathleen Рік тому +3

      This really helped me today. Thank you!

    • @Portia620
      @Portia620 8 місяців тому

      Agreed!!!

    • @Rosierose902
      @Rosierose902 2 місяці тому

      Needed to hear this 👏🏾

  • @PaigeSquared
    @PaigeSquared 11 місяців тому +6

    I overshare too much, but it usually takes a few meetings before I say enough to put my foot in my mouth.

  • @LightHouse_222
    @LightHouse_222 4 місяці тому +3

    ❤ " your values shouldn't be fluid ! "
    I am making a poster of that.
    After 12 years of marriage, I left him. He wrote a letter to the judge and said I was a chameleon and therefore shouldn't have our kids.
    We ended up seeing a psychologist.
    He told the ex that I had every right to my own choices.
    The ex exploded and left.
    The psychologist told me to start with small things like choosing my favourite flavour of ice cream.

  • @neetaarora7908
    @neetaarora7908 Рік тому +10

    I've felt diminished, I'll treated, taken advantage of and have lived angry and resentful, unheard, undervalued.... and shut down, clammed, jailed and desperate for freedom.... thinking so much about how who all will think, dislike, question me, and reject.... health and sleep, peace of mind have been at stake. Lately I've begun to not seek anyone and observe, reflect, examine.... to reclaim and be ( empowered). Yes, haven't known what I really need, value and stand by it.
    Thankyou.

  • @MsTesoro89
    @MsTesoro89 Рік тому +11

    I feel like that . Exhausted. And no one consider I am human too .
    Thank you
    God Bless !

  • @victorialyukmanova3065
    @victorialyukmanova3065 Рік тому +21

    I've been fawning and also finding myself with friends that fawn. So difficult, because we never know who has what boundaries, every one of us is scared to somehow push away the other.. And at the same time this creates such horrible ambiguity, we keep on making ourselves guess what the other person is really thinking! I guess I've been consciously choosing these kind of friendships thinking that this would protect me somehow, and now I'm trying to make friends with people who express boundaries, and set boundaries myself. So freaking difficult though, I feel like I'm swimming in one big emotional flashback.

    • @Portia620
      @Portia620 8 місяців тому

      I’m like living a nightmare flash back! No kidding

  • @Portia620
    @Portia620 8 місяців тому +5

    I’m tired of talking about it. I want it to be over!!!! I buried it a long time ago just to spend time digging and analzicif. My relationship with others. I’m super observant and have many answers now. I’m sooo ready to move on in life.

  • @amothergoddess2774
    @amothergoddess2774 11 місяців тому +6

    I DO THIS COMPLIMENTING PEOPLE, SOMETIMES TO START A CONVERSATION, IT USUALLY MAKES ME AND THEM FEEL BETTER, SOME PEOPLE DON'T REACT, BUT I AM A PEOPLE-PLEASER, I GIVE THINGS TOO, I WONDERED WHY I GAVE A GIRLFRIEND AN EXPENSIVE JACKET, WHEN SHE WOULDN'T EVEN BUY ME A COFFEE AND SHE HAS LOADS OF MONEY BUT SHE IS REALLY TIGHT! THANKYOU 4 BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION! , I'M IN AUSTRALIA, TOO FAR AWAY!

  • @DarkFire1536
    @DarkFire1536 3 роки тому +25

    Thank you for giving a name to this behavior that I do.

  • @keirra6327
    @keirra6327 9 місяців тому +7

    I'm only 8 minutes in and I've never felt so heard. Thank you

  • @craigdunning5123
    @craigdunning5123 11 місяців тому +10

    Wow. This is hitting me hard. I don’t want to be this way anymore. I matter, my feelings matter. Wow. Thank you for bringing awareness to this. On the healing journey ❤💪🏻🙏

  • @reinaequina6588
    @reinaequina6588 2 роки тому +21

    It’s so frustrating I go into fawning and I don’t even realize I have 🤦‍♀️

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  2 роки тому +5

      Yes, though, once you realize what it is, and replay the instances when you've gone there, you can begin to change things. I wish you well with that.

  • @tslilbearshoppe9870
    @tslilbearshoppe9870 11 місяців тому +3

    Crap I am such a Fawn. Today is the first day of my non Fawn life. Thank you!!! When I am blowing smoke up the Narc's arse so to speak, all the while I am thinking what a jerk, he's eating this bs up and he is the cause of it. I am never myself, I never show my real me to them because it's too painful. If he knew what I really thought of him, he'd lose his faculties. I am just in survival mode all the time. I need to get myself back, I am a good person, I genuinely care about others and putting them first is kicking my ass. I need to take care of me for a change. I just buried my narc dad that I was taking care of. I am the youngest one of 5 and I am the only one that stepped up to care for him. I forgave him. Trouble is I am married to the same type of person. I do love him but there are many things I do not love about our relationship, and I think there is hope. We are together 41 years. I don't want to quit. I just need to learn to not let him him trigger me all the time. If I can't do that, then I'll leave. He is otherwise a good person, but he was raised by a narc mother that he went no contact with over 20 years ago. So she rubbed off on him. I don't want to break up this family. I need to get my self respect back and learn to set boundaries tho. I'm afraid if I can't then I won't be able to stay here anymore. I am always searching utube for a quick fix to my extreme empathy. My daughter is my best friend now that she is an adult, she was a psych major and she tells me that my needs count, stop being so nice to everyone, they don't deserve your kindness etc. I love that kid. I did a great job with her. She is truly an old soul. Anyhow I spilled my gutts here, maybe someone else will see this and it will prompt them to change too. God bless you for helping others with your knowledge. One more thing, I really don't care who likes me (except my God and my kids), it's the conflict I am tired of and can't stand anymore. You are right about that Roman candle analogy tho lol

  • @LightRenowned
    @LightRenowned Рік тому +9

    Thank you for this video. I have no idea how long its been happening for, but I think all my life. And I just realized how clingy and needy I've been.

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  Рік тому +2

      You're so welcome. Any time you recognize something that can improve your life is the BEST time, right?

    • @LightRenowned
      @LightRenowned Рік тому

      @@ForRelationshipHelp absolutely, that’s been the present focus and practice. As soon as it arises and doesn’t serve me. I forgive it and let it go, it dissolves and vanishes… and I’m left with the moment. Though I have to continuously repeat this process many many times per day. It’s been helping. I’m sure I will be beyond this trauma and the trauma responses and conditions one day! I just hope to do interviews and podcasts and share my story. Share the tremendous amount of healing and transformation that has occurred in my life. I sometimes dream of it and that I’m capable, and other times I slip back into the insecure self. I’m trying to get into the practice of “just starting” when it come to new things. At present I anything new has all the trauma responses that require energy and attention before I can just get started on a task that’s going to be super positive.
      I would love to be engaged in a conversation by someone on Heath and wellness, mental illness, schizophrenia, childhood trauma, abandonment issues, tobacco and alcohol abuse, and yoga… and the transformational journey that yoga and Grace has blessed upon me.

  • @Portia620
    @Portia620 8 місяців тому +3

    It’s not that I just wanted to be over after analyzing it and healing and all this other stuff I am really wanting the opposite of the life that I had before! I wanted my sunny disposition back as a team and I got that back. Now I want the rest of it back cause I’m tired.

  • @corinneblair8795
    @corinneblair8795 Рік тому +4

    Say “No”, then the Narc will Rage at you!! And that adds more trauma! I hate being yelled at.. especially when it is for no reason

  • @KerryLiv
    @KerryLiv Рік тому +3

    My curiosity of "Fawning" definition, led me to discover a lot about myself... and a healthy way to address it. Thank you!

  • @ekaterinasokolova3682
    @ekaterinasokolova3682 3 роки тому +20

    Thank you, Dr. Shaler. During listening I remembered one guy who completely seriously told me: "Why should I talk to you about your problems, I want to talk about mine!" It was funny.

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  3 роки тому +7

      The obviousness of his statement could certainly be amusing, and you were healthy enough to see it for what it was!

  • @toddamngus5269
    @toddamngus5269 2 роки тому +7

    Aaarrgghhhh!!!
    I thought I was just broken!! 😭
    I didn’t know there was a WORD for these “fawning” qualities!🥺🤬😢
    Now, I have to figure out (with your help) how to fix it.

  • @user-if9lf7uc9w
    @user-if9lf7uc9w 7 місяців тому +2

    It’s not the fault of the one who has it. But we need to heal it but it’s not like we choose it

  • @MsTesoro89
    @MsTesoro89 Рік тому +4

    I identified with this
    Thank you .
    I have dealt with big health issues due to this since I was little a home .
    Thank you .
    🙏♥️😍🌹

  • @eurekaelephant2714
    @eurekaelephant2714 Рік тому +5

    Wow, thankyou. I am sitting in my car watching this, and thinking, yes, this applies to me. Thankyou for helping me name it, and to give me some relief, knowing that it can be a 'normal' response to being emotionally abused. I think I 'fawn' in other ways. I was starting to get worried about myself, because 'fawning' isnt me, and sometimes i do this now, with other people. I am in the process of resetting the boundaries with the abusive person in my life. I love what you said about having the right to your feelings, needs, and the simple power of the word no. Thankyou! This has helped me to know i am on the right path of putting my own needs first. It is hard, but with the passing weeks, I am starting to feel a bit better. E.g I now get better sleep. I will keep going with this. Love your videos. They have helped me, many thanks.

  • @dandanjordan
    @dandanjordan 2 місяці тому

    Omg i don't need a justification to say no. I needed to hear that

  • @lookupyourredemptiondrawsn7285
    @lookupyourredemptiondrawsn7285 7 місяців тому +1

    this is the best video ever. first time I've seen one regarding this subject. SO important. wow. life changing. thank u sooo much

  • @ritadoran5039
    @ritadoran5039 3 роки тому +9

    Thanks from the ❤ Dr Shaler I did that in my last relationship he was screaming and dragged me by arm into another room pushed me into chair told me to shut up and listen. I froze then I noticed his look he was near the knives in kitchen so I didn't run suprising I said so ure gonna hurt me? I played nice and talked him down
    I was scared. So you are right it escalates

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  3 роки тому +3

      Good quick thinking on your part! I'm glad it worked so that it didn't escalate!

    • @kellychuba
      @kellychuba 5 місяців тому

      oh honey, take care of yourself. Your comment jolted me.

  • @glendamorrison5159
    @glendamorrison5159 3 роки тому +6

    Fawning mentality ME! yes

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  3 роки тому +1

      The good news is that you're now aware and things can change, right?

  • @charanko.
    @charanko. 9 місяців тому +1

    God bless you for persevering in your journey

  • @cherbug1197
    @cherbug1197 2 роки тому +3

    thank you dr!

  • @sheyda22
    @sheyda22 9 місяців тому

    Dr Roberta. I’m so glad I found You 🤩🙏🏻

  • @MariaPerez-sb1xp
    @MariaPerez-sb1xp 2 роки тому +5

    That's why people also tend to radicalize with religion in the west. Ethnic minorities often don't get enough recognition through education and highly paid jobs. Due to poverty and incompetent illiterate parents they didn't have a loving upbringing as children. They tend to flee to religion which 'ill give them recognition from the higher above. This often results them in backbiting fellow believers who are less pious. They take their trauma of not being good enough out on others this way. And the ironic misconception is they think they please god.

  • @Portia620
    @Portia620 8 місяців тому +2

    I’m not sorry for anything anymore and I just block them and let them cry to themselves. I don’t care about their bs

  • @momione11
    @momione11 2 роки тому +2

    I saw my grandmother doing this my mother and me.But also beacuse of my dad and my mothers other husband how was an covert narc.I lerd it early.

  • @angelamossucco2190
    @angelamossucco2190 Рік тому +7

    Enabling: when you remove the consequences for others of their poor choices.
    ABB: always believe behavior

  • @larissadean
    @larissadean Рік тому +5

    I developed ME / CFS and attracted hijackal boyfriends , but I’m not sure where it started !!

    • @ForRelationshipHelp
      @ForRelationshipHelp  Рік тому +3

      Hijackals do prefer people who need them, or who they think that can control more easily. Being ill can be one of those things. Does that make sense regarding your recent experience?

  • @sjwillis1137
    @sjwillis1137 2 роки тому +5

    Non fawning compliment Dr Shaler ;
    Your voice , in certain places , sounds like Marilyn Monroe.

  • @jgregg7100
    @jgregg7100 11 місяців тому

    11:00 I'm using that line

  • @sterlgirlceline
    @sterlgirlceline 11 місяців тому

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @aroncsoka
    @aroncsoka 9 місяців тому

    We are trying to survive and the advice is that we are to be blamed, what we are told is that we are the problem, that we are doing something wrong.
    Why are you therapizing victims? Are you of the opinion that the victim should be dealt with if they complain about another person? If I go to the police or the court the policeperson or the judge is not going to tell me to defend myself, he/ she will arrest or call the abuser to court. This general approach, where we are talking to victims about their trauma is simple victim blaming. Imagine complaining to the referee because another player kicked you during the game and the referee very calmly starts to explain why you got hurt and how you should respond. Victim treating is basically enabling abusers.
    We are saying that we've been mistreated. Counsellors/ therapists/ coaches are telling us that we are the problem. Outrageous.

    • @marinacolijn4247
      @marinacolijn4247 7 місяців тому

      @aroncsoka Why stay the victom, get empowered instead.

    • @aroncsoka
      @aroncsoka 7 місяців тому

      Are you saying that the victim has chosen to be a victim/ to be disempowered? Abuse means that something has been done to the victim. Their will was disregarded, he was forced.
      I don't think they want to stay victims. But they've been stripped of their free will. It wasn't up to them to become a victim and it's not up to them do heal/ get empowered.
      I feel like when people say "get healed/ better" they're forgetting or disregarding what the features of a victim, victimhood are.

  • @anonymousbyname1121
    @anonymousbyname1121 10 місяців тому

    And the moment you speak up and suggest a vegetarian restaurant to your friends is the moment you will be dropped and never hear from them again.

    • @marinacolijn4247
      @marinacolijn4247 7 місяців тому +1

      @anonymousbyname, Then you got rid of them easy. I say congratulations.

  • @knicholson6003
    @knicholson6003 2 роки тому +4

    Recommended people stop “fawning” whilst speaking in a little girl voice.

    • @Lyrielonwind
      @Lyrielonwind Рік тому +3

      Lo cortés no quita lo valiente.

  • @kaybeacham3536
    @kaybeacham3536 Рік тому +1

    I find your survival response based in fear incredibly alarming. Fawn also allows us to connect with others. As someone you would class as a hijakal who has empowered people for decades … your defensive approach to boundaries is pushing hyper vigilance to threat! Personal boundaries.. knowing them, not allowing them to be breached is empowering not pushing a big bad wolf narrative… you seem to be sharing fear 🤷‍♀️

    • @kellychuba
      @kellychuba 5 місяців тому

      This is advice for people in toxic relationships. #HYJACKLS
      Your comment does not seem to recognise the actual topic of discussion; and by applying your perspective, your comment seems unfair.