Always Quote by David D. Burns
“People who are prone to anxiety are nearly always people-pleasers who fear conflict and negative feelings like anger. When you feel upset, you sweep your problems under the rug because you don't want to upset anyone. You do this so quickly and automatically that you're not even aware you're doing it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, 1979
Anxiety often drives people to please others, avoid conflict, and suppress negative emotions, leading to unconscious avoidance behaviors.
In simple terms: Anxiety makes people please others and hide feelings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address avoidance patterns.
Themes
anxiety
people‑pleasing
conflict avoidance
emotional suppression
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
psychological
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace
- therapy sessions
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
cognitive‑behavioral therapy
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does people‑pleasing fuel your anxiety?
- What emotions are you most likely to hide?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance can reinforce anxiety if not consciously challenged.
