Yup!

Reflecting on the experience of being the "good girl" who always puts others first, I've come to realize how common it is for many women to sacrifice their own needs and desires to maintain peace and keep everyone else comfortable. In my 20s, I rarely thought about the long-term impact this mindset might have, but now, approaching my 40s, the emotional toll is clear. The grief and the built-up anger are real and stem from years of diminished self-expression and unacknowledged sacrifices. It's important to recognize that while being dependable and caring is admirable, unchecked self-neglect can lead to burnout and emotional distress. Setting healthy boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing your own healing journey are critical steps to avoid the regret many women face later in life. I found that embracing self-compassion and redefining what it means to be "good"—not just obedient or accommodating but also authentic and self-aware—can transform your well-being. Sharing this wisdom with my peers, especially younger women, feels vital. We need to talk openly about how to balance kindness to others with kindness to ourselves, so that thriving doesn't become an afterthought but a lifelong practice.