12/02/2025
This time of year, Human Giver Syndrome comes up in so many of my sessions. SO SO many . (Does the name of this syndrome resonate? šš»āāļøšš»āāļøšš»āāļø)
The pressure to be pleasant, generous, accommodating, emotionally available, and āfineā ā¦all while navigating family dynamics, holiday expectations, and end-of-year exhaustion is overwhelming.
Emily and Amelia Nagoski name this pattern so clearly in their book Burnout (a book you should read!!!): the belief that some of us are obligated to give our warmth, patience, time, bodies, and emotional labor so others can stay comfortable. š³š«£š« š¬
If youāve been feeling stretched thin, resentful, over-responsible, or like youāre āfailingā at the holidaysā¦
youāre not doing anything wrong.
Youāre bumping up against a cultural script that asks you to give until thereās nothing left.š«
BUT⦠youāre a human BEING, not a human giver.
Your needs matter.
Your limits matter.
Your rest and humanity matterā¦even now, especially now.
May this season be a chance to practice self-connection, truth-telling, and boundaries that protect your energy and your aliveness. š