Why You Feel Drained After Being “Low Maintenance”
If your brand is “no worries, whatever works,” you might be running on fumes. Being easy for everyone often means being hard on yourself. Low maintenance can become low nourishment—and your body keeps the receipts.
How “Easy” Turns Into Exhaustion
- Auto-yes: you pre-approve everyone’s asks, then resent quietly.
- Invisibility: people stop offering because you trained them you need nothing.
- Unmet needs: sleep, help, and reassurance never make the list.
Relearn Needs (Without Feeling Needy)
- Body cues: tight jaw, headache, hollow hunger = more support required.
- Ask structure: small + specific + scheduled. “Can we talk at 7 for 10 minutes?”
- Co-regulation: sit near someone, walk, breathe—presence over performance.
Scripts to Practise
- “I can do X; I can’t do Y.”
- “Comfort or a plan—what do you have capacity for?”
- “I need you to initiate plans this week if you want to see me.”
Seven-Day Rebalance
- Day 1: say one honest no.
- Day 2: ask for one small favour.
- Day 3: schedule a check-in with a steady friend.
- Day 4: 12-minute daylight walk + water on waking.
- Day 5: one screen-free meal; early off-ramp at night.
- Day 6: share one boundary with family/work.
- Day 7: keep the two changes that felt most relieving.
When People Push Back
- Old roles are comfortable—for them. Hold your new line kindly and repeat.
- Make it easy to help: offer two options and a time.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be “low maintenance” to be lovable. Be honest, be specific, and let people meet you—halfway and with heart.
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