Are you trying to be "low maintenance" in relationships, friendships, the workplace, or life in general, thinking it makes you more likable or easygoing? This video explores why striving to be low maintenance can be harmful and delves into the concept of hyper-independence or fawning —a common trauma response.

We’ll talk about how people-pleasing behaviors, hyper-independence, and fawn trauma responses can affect your mental health and relationships. We'll also explore how childhood trauma and the tendency to become hyper-independent might be ways you’re trying to cope with past experiences. We’ll touch on the "cool girl" and "cool guy" mentality and how it connects to these trauma responses. Our goal is to help you understand these patterns and find supportive ways to address them.

Discover why it’s so important to recognize these patterns and understand fawning, and hyper-independence, especially if you’ve been struggling with trauma. We hope this video helps you address these challenges and start healing, guiding you towards a healthier and more authentic self.

#trauma #mentalhealth

Disclaimer: While this video uses examples like "pick-me girl" and "cool girl," these terms are chosen to reflect current societal standards and perceptions. However, the concepts discussed are relevant to individuals of any gender. The insights and advice provided are intended to be inclusive and applicable regardless of gender identity.

Writer: Sara Del Villar
Script Editor & Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera www.youtube.com/AmandaSillvera
Animator: Sarimopi (IG: sarimopi)
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

REFERENCES:

Jorapini, M. J. (n.d.). Are you too low-maintenance in your relationships? Mary Jo Rapini Coaching. [www.maryjorapini.com]
Refinery29. (n.d.). Low-maintenance friendship. [www.refinery29.com]
Brown, V. (2023, March 10). The problem with being a low-maintenance girlfriend. Medium
(n.d.). The problem of low-maintenance relationships. BMC Psychology. [bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com]
Psychology Today Staff. (2023, July 27). Pick-me girl. Verywell Mind. [www.verywellmind.com]
Brown, V. (2023, March 10). The problem with being a low-maintenance girlfriend. Medium
Orr, H. (2019, July 17). When Harry Met Sally and the high-maintenance woman. The Atlantic. [www.theatlantic.com]