Karen Nyamu explains why she avoids people-pleasing
By Valerian Khakayi, June 24, 2026Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has shared her views on people-pleasing, saying there is no point in trying to make everyone happy because people will always find something to criticise.
In a social media post on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Nyamu said there was no reason to be a people pleaser because people are never pleased.
“There is no reason to be a people pleaser. People are never pleased,” Karen Nyamu shared.
Who is a people pleaser?
A people pleaser is a person who prioritises the needs, feelings and approval of others, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Such individuals may struggle to say no, avoid conflict and go out of their way to keep others happy even when it causes them stress or discomfort.
People-pleasing is often driven by a desire to be liked, accepted or praised by others. While being considerate is generally viewed as a positive trait, constantly putting other people’s needs ahead of your own can become unhealthy.
Disadvantages of being a people pleaser
One of the biggest disadvantages of people-pleasing is emotional exhaustion. Constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, stressed and mentally drained.
People-pleasers often struggle to set healthy boundaries, making it easier for others to take advantage of their kindness. They may find themselves agreeing to tasks, commitments or requests they do not genuinely want to take on simply to avoid disappointing others.
Another drawback is that people-pleasing can lead to resentment. When individuals repeatedly put other people’s needs before their own, they may eventually feel unappreciated or frustrated, especially if their efforts go unnoticed.
People-pleasing can also negatively affect self-esteem. Instead of deriving confidence from their own values and achievements, people-pleasers may rely heavily on praise and validation from others. This can make them more vulnerable to criticism and rejection.
In addition, constantly seeking approval can hinder personal growth and decision-making. Fear of upsetting others may prevent people from pursuing opportunities, expressing their true opinions or making choices that align with their goals and interests.
Additionally, excessive people-pleasing can strain relationships. When someone is always saying “yes” despite feeling differently, communication can become less honest and authentic, leading to misunderstandings over time.
As Nyamu pointed out, people are rarely completely satisfied. For that reason, constantly seeking approval may be a losing battle, making it important to strike a balance between being kind to others and staying true to oneself.