Latest / Inner Work With MaryAnn Walker: Life Coach for People Pleasers

170: The Dark Side of Empathy: When Understanding Becomes Self-Abandonment
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When does empathy become toxic? When it leads to self-abandonment.
Yes, empathy is beautiful—it helps us connect, support others, and hold space. But what happens when your empathy starts costing you your peace, self-worth, and well-being?
Join me as we explore:
What toxic empathy is and how it differs from healthy compassion
How people-pleasers and highly sensitive people (HSPs) often fall into this pattern
Real-life examples of toxic empathy in romantic, platonic, and family relationships
The shift from enabling to empowered empathy
How to set boundaries without losing your…
The skinny
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