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If you've ever wondered, “Am I being too harsh?” or “Will people still love me if I stop people-pleasing?”—this episode is for you. Today, we're talking about the fear that setting boundaries means you're suddenly a terrible person. (Spoiler alert: you're not.) Whether you've swung from self-sacrificing to "spicy:" or you’re just learning how to say "no" without guilt, we’re unpacking why this discomfort is actually a sign of growth, not failure.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why helpers and people-pleasers often fear becoming "the bad guy"
• The real reason boundary setting can feel so uncomfortable at first
• How burnout can lead to sharper tones and what to do about it
• Why overcorrecting is normal (and not permanent!)
• How to self-assess your boundaries without shame
• Examples of clear, respectful boundary statements
• Why disruption is part of healing—and how to ride the wave

Challenge for the Week
Practice one boundary this week—even if it’s wobbly. Then take 5 minutes to self-assess. Ask yourself:

• What went well?
• What could I improve next time?
• Did I lead with clarity or frustration?
• How was my tone?
• Did I communicate through clarity or emotional confusion?

No shame. Just curiosity and growth.

Work With Me
Tired of feeling burned out and invisible? Ready to start being someone for yourself? Let’s build those boundaries—without burning bridges. I currently have a few one-on-one coaching spots available this month. You can schedule a free 20-minute consultation call here to see if we’re a good fit. I’d love to support you in reclaiming your time, your peace, and your power.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe
If this episode resonated, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you're loving the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review—it helps others like you find this space of healing and growth.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Join the Waitlist for the Empath Course: Be the first to know when registration opens. Space is limited to 15–20 participants.
• Book Your Free Coaching Consultation Call: 20 minutes, no pressure—just connection, clarity, and support.
• Follow Me on Instagram for more tools, reminders, and inspiration.
• Follow Me on Facebook
• Follow Me on TikTok
• Follow Me on Youtube

Send us a text

Are you choosing people who are also choosing you?

Or are you pouring your time, energy, and heart into someone—hoping they’ll come around, hoping they’ll finally see your worth, hoping they’ll meet you halfway?

This can show up in a lot of ways:

• Canceling your plans just in case they want to spend time with you
• Keeping yourself emotionally unavailable for someone who already walked away
• Saying yes to every invitation from someone who wouldn’t do the same for you
• Holding out for a connection that only you seem to be investing in

When we do this, we’re not just overgiving—we’re starving ourselves of real connection.

It’s easy to believe that love has to be earned. That if we can prove our value, sacrifice enough, or just wait long enough, they’ll choose us. But people aren’t projects. And connection isn’t something you should have to beg for.

So here’s your nudge to:
💛 Start noticing who lights up when you walk into the room.
💛 Start investing in those who already show up for you.
💛 Start saying yes to the people who say yes to you.

Because love doesn’t require convincing.
And real friendship doesn’t leave you guessing.

You deserve more than crumbs. You deserve to be nourished by relationships that are mutual, steady, and safe.

So take a breath. Do a little relationship audit.
And make room for the ones who are choosing you—consistently and wholeheartedly.

You are worthy of that kind of connection.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🔗 Join the Waitlist for my Empowered Empath Course here: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/93175104be

• Looking for more ways to engage? Come find me on my other platforms!
  Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me
  Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
  Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
  Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

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If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you weren’t…
If you’ve said “yes” when you wanted to scream “no”…
If you’ve silently hoped someone would just know what you need…
This episode is for you.

We’ll explore how not speaking your truth leads to resentment, burnout, and disconnection—and how reclaiming your voice can create deeper trust not only in your relationships, but also within yourself.

This conversation builds on Episode 160, where we talked about how staying silent can be the most dishonest thing we do. If you haven’t listened to that yet, I’ll link it below!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why being “nice” at the expense of honesty leads to quiet resentment
• How saying “yes” when you mean “no” creates confusion and burnout
• The hidden cost of volunteering your energy to avoid discomfort
• What unspoken expectations and silent contracts really do to relationships
• How to begin shifting from performing to being authentic
• Why practicing honest communication builds trust and emotional safety
• The powerful shift that comes when you stop trying to be intuitively understood and start clearly expressing your needs

Challenge for the Week

Notice when your words and your energy don’t match.
Ask yourself: Am I saying what I really mean? Or am I saying what I think they want to hear?
Then practice one small moment of honest expression this week—without apology.

Work With Me

Feeling seen by this episode? Ready to stop people-pleasing and start living more honestly, grounded in who you actually are—not who you think others expect you to be? I’m now offering six-week coaching packages for empaths, HSPs, and recovering people-pleasers like you.

I also have a beta group coaching program opening soon! This small group experience will help you manage your energy, set healthier boundaries, and reconnect with your intuition. Space will be very limited—just 15 to 20 spots. If you’re interested, join the waitlist here.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe

Make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss future episodes filled with support, tools, and real-talk for empaths and sensitive souls. And if you loved this episode, please take a moment to share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Episode 160 – When Silence Is the Most Dishonest Thing You Can Do
• Links Mentioned in This Episode:
  • 🔗 Join the Waitlist for my Empowered Empath Course here: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/93175104be
• Looking for more ways to engage? Come find me on my other platforms!
  Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me
  Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
  Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
  Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life