Gay Men Going Deeper24 Apr 2025

People Pleasing, Boundaries, and Fear of Conflict

Do you find yourself putting other people’s needs ahead of your own? Struggle to set boundaries? Feel responsible for keeping the peace even when it costs you your authenticity?

In this episode, gay therapist Michael Pezzullo joins Michael to go deeper into the roots of people pleasing—especially why so many gay men fall into this pattern. We’ll explore how people pleasing shows up in everyday life, why it’s so hard to stop, and how the fear of conflict and rejection keeps us from showing up fully in our relationships.

We’ll also discuss:

How to recognize when you’re people pleasing (and why it’s not the same as being kind)
The impact people pleasing has on your self-confidence and relationships
Why gay men are especially prone to it
How to handle the fear of disappointing others
What you can do to finally break the cycle

If you’re ready to stop performing for approval and start living with more authenticity, this episode is for you.

Today's Guest: Michael Pezzullo

Today's Host: Michael DiIorio

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