Mary is always worried about living up to other’s expectations. She doesn’t want to disappoint her friends or frustrate her family. She feels a strong sense of obligation to meet the needs of others—even when she doesn’t really want to.

Her co-worker needs someone to cover for him; Mary is quick to say “yes”. Her friend needs a ride to the store, and she says “sure”. Her Mom asks her to help with a sewing project and she says “okay”. Sometimes she feels burdened by all of these obligations. When others ask her for a favor, she almost always agrees to help.

On the one hand,... Read More