We all want to be liked, but some people take it to a whole new level.
If you hear someone constantly dropping these lines, they might be trying a bit too hard to win everyone over. Here are some of the most common entries in the people-pleaser’s playbook.
1. “I agree with you 100%.”
Even if they were arguing the opposite point five minutes ago, they’ll flip-flop faster than a politician during election season. Having no strong opinions of their own, they’re quick to align with whoever they’re talking to.
2. “I’m sorry” (for everything).
They’ll apologize for breathing if they think it’ll make you like them more. Stubbed your toe? They’re sorry. Raining outside? They’ll take the blame for that too. It’s like they’re personally responsible for everything that goes wrong in the world.
3. “You’re so right.”
They’ll validate your opinion even if you’ve just claimed the earth is flat. Critical thinking goes out the window when the need for approval comes in. They’re not interested in a real discussion, just in making you feel good.
4. “I love that too!”
Suddenly, they’re passionate about everything you’re into. Whether it’s obscure 80s bands or underwater basket weaving, they’re all in. Their personality is like a chameleon, Psychology Today notes, changing to match whoever they’re talking to.
5. “Let me get that for you.”
They’ll bend over backwards to do favors, even when it’s inconvenient or unnecessary. Need your cat walked at 3 AM? They’re on it. It’s not generosity; it’s a desperate bid for approval.
6. “What do you think I should do?”
They’re terrified of making a decision that might not please everyone. So they’ll constantly seek advice, even for the smallest things. It’s not about getting input; it’s about avoiding responsibility for choices.
7. “I’m fine with whatever you want.”
Deciding where to eat becomes a nightmare because they refuse to express a preference. They’re so afraid of disagreeing that they become a human doormat.
8. “You look amazing!” (even when you don’t)
Bad haircut? New outfit that doesn’t quite work? They’ll shower you with compliments anyway. Their praise becomes meaningless because it’s not sincere, just a tool to win favor.
9. “I was just kidding.”
The moment they sense their joke didn’t land, they’ll backpedal faster than a circus clown on a unicycle. They’re so afraid of offending that they can’t stand by anything they say.
10. “No worries” (when they’re clearly worried).
You could set their house on fire, and they’d still say it’s no big deal. They’re so desperate to avoid conflict that they’ll deny their own feelings and needs.
11. “I’m not like other girls/guys.”
They’ll try to set themselves apart by putting down entire groups. It’s a cheap way to seem special without actually having to be special.
12. “You’re so funny!”
Even your dad jokes get a laugh track from them. They’ll giggle at anything in the hopes of being seen as a good audience. It’s not about humor; it’s about harmony at any cost.
13. “I can’t believe how good you are at that.”
They’ll blow your mediocre achievements way out of proportion. Managed to heat up a TV dinner without burning it? In their eyes, you’re the next Masterchef.
14. “Tell me more about that.”
They’ll encourage you to ramble on about yourself, not because they’re interested, but because they know people love talking about themselves. It’s a calculated move to seem like a great listener.
15. “You’re so smart.”
Even if you’ve just stated that 2+2=5, they’ll find a way to make it sound profound. They’re not interested in intellectual discourse, just in making you feel good about yourself.
16. “I’m so lucky to know you.”
They’ll lay the appreciation on thick, even if you’ve just met. It’s not genuine gratitude; it’s an attempt to fast-track intimacy and gain your approval, according to Psych Central.
17. “I was thinking the same thing!”
Suddenly, they’re mind readers, always in sync with your thoughts. It’s not cosmic connection; it’s just another way to create artificial rapport.
18. “You’re absolutely right to feel that way.”
They’ll validate your feelings even if you’re being utterly unreasonable. They’re not providing emotional support; they’re just avoiding any hint of disagreement.
19. “I’m here for you, no matter what.”
They’ll make grand promises of loyalty, even if they barely know you. It’s not about being a good friend; it’s about trying to secure your affection through extreme commitments.
20. “That’s such an interesting perspective.”
Even if you’ve just spouted complete nonsense, they’ll find a way to make it sound insightful. They’re not engaging in real dialogue; they’re just trying to make you feel heard and appreciated.
21. “You’re not like everyone else.”
They’ll try to make you feel special by putting other people down. It’s a manipulative tactic to create a false sense of connection and uniqueness — don’t fall for it.
