Hey @Sunset_Crab ,
Thanks for sharing this, your words really resonated with me a lot 💗. It sounds like you've been dealing with mediating lots of different conflicts lately, and I know from experience just how emotionally exhausting this can be. I think it's absolutely understandable that you would be feeling this way too. I'd like to gently let you know that you have in no way brought this upon yourself by 'people pleasing'. Your kindness and generosity to others is not at all something you should feel ashamed of.
I really relate to what you've mentioned about just how difficult it can be to say no and set boundaries, especially with people you care about. Something that i've found really helpful in the past is to actually send a message instead of communicating in person (where possible). I've sent messages to friends before where i've communicated to them that I really value their friendship, and I really care for them, but that I feel I need to set a certain boundary for my own wellbeing. I find it's so much easier to navigate awkward or uncomfortable conversations if I can actually take time to make sure i'm saying everything I need to say. It's definitely a skill that takes a bit of practice, but it's absolutely possible for you to still extend kindness to people whilst also setting boundaries to protect yourself.
I really like @LilacLeopard14 's point about this being a lovely moment for you to prioritise your own wellbeing and self-care. You deserve to be looked after, you deserve to have your feelings validated, and you deserve to be cared for too.
Thinking of you and sending lots of care your way 💗
