There's Still a Pandemic Happening. It's OK Not to Please Everyone

[Mike B 625]

By Anna Goldfarb (NYT)

As many states continue the rocky path to reopening — and, in some cases, reverse course — some people might feel pressured to attend gatherings and events during the coronavirus pandemic before they’re ready. Declining invitations and setting boundaries around personal comfort can be especially fraught for people-pleasers, who already struggle with saying no, according to experts.

Maybe you grudgingly agree to attend a family member’s birthday party when you’d prefer to stay home, or a friend insists on meeting for brunch when you’re not yet ready to dine at a restaurant. Guilt — It’ll break your brother’s heart if you don’t show up — and flattery — Seeing you will lift my spirits. Just stay for one mimosa! — can sometimes be used in these scenarios to nudge people-pleasers in a certain direction or to convince them to agree to something they’re not comfortable with, experts say.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/smarter-living/people-pleaser-coronavirus.html