Divorceworkshop Blog
The Armour We Inherited: Unpacking Generations of People-Pleasing and the Fawn Response
How appeasing became our family heirloom, and why stopping the cycle is the greatest gift we can give our daughters.
For a long time, I thought appeasing people was just part of who I was, a mix of kindness, empathy, or simply a desire to keep the peace. It took decades for me to start figuring myself out, and lately, watching my own daughters' behaviors, to realize the truth: appeasement isn't a personality trait. It’s an inherited survival mechanism.
How Divorce Affects Boys and Girls Differently
While divorce generally affects both genders, boys and girls may experience it differently. Girls often display some unique responses in comparison to boys and vice versa. Research suggests that girls may exhibit negative symptoms, including emotions like depression, anger, and psychological distress. In contrast, boys may sometimes exhibit increased negative behaviors such as aggression or fighting.