Most of us were raised to be helpful, accommodating, and available—basically human doormats with good manners. We learned that being "good" meant putting everyone else's needs before our own. Add in a sprinkle of people-pleasing tendencies and a dash of fear that everyone will hate us forever, and boom: you're staying at a party you hate, helping someone move for the third time this month, and wondering why you're exhausted.

The guilt comes from a belief that our needs matter less than other people's comfort. Spoiler alert: they don't.

Picture this: You and your partner are locked in what looks like the world's most awkward dance. One of you is desperately trying to get closer while the other is backing away like they're being chased by a particularly aggressive salesperson. Welcome to the relationship dance – where nobody remembers who started the music, but everyone's tired of the same old song.