I am a terrible gift-giver. Every gift I give, I want it to mean something. I can’t just run into a store and grab whatever is near the checkout line. There’s a whole internal checklist running in my head: Can I support a local shop? Will they actually use this, or will it end up in a drawer? Is it unique? Does it remind me of them?

I care what people think. There, I said it. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, approval-seeking, or tying your joy to how others perceive you, you’re not alone. I envy the people who can say what needs to be said and then move on with their lives. No replaying the conversation. No spiraling. No wondering if they were too much or not enough.