Greetings,
Happy New Year. It seems that there may have been a bit of a misunderstanding between family members or relatives. According to the questioner's description, this is a very common situation where one person is trying to please others. Giving too much, longing for love to be returned. This love, in the eyes of the person trying to please, is to be seen, recognized, approved, and praised.
It would be beneficial for the person receiving the favor to kindly reiterate to the pleaser that their efforts are worthy of being seen, recognized, and praised, as they may be unsure and lacking in love.
[How the pleasing personality is formed]
1. It seems that there may have been a lack of unconditional parental love in the original family, because parental love is often conditional on value. It may be that they only win the love and appreciation of their parents when they meet the needs of their parents, otherwise they may be rejected or scolded by their parents. Over time, it seems that the conditional value of their parents may have been internalized into their self-concept.
2. Cognitive errors People with a pleasing personality may have some cognitive biases. They may believe that only by pleasing others will they win friendly feedback from others, but they may not fully consider the importance of enhancing their own energy.
3. Long-term self-deprecating and ingratiating behavior has become a habit. Due to prolonged ingratiating behavior and a sense of inferiority, they have developed a tendency to respond to social interactions and others using their inherent thinking. Once this habit is formed, it can be challenging to change.
I believe the person the OP is referring to is "she." It seems likely to be a woman in the family, perhaps an elder. In the context of China's patriarchal society, the living conditions of women are unfortunately quite challenging. They have often been encouraged to go above and beyond, which can lead to a lack of self-worth and a blurring of boundaries. As the OP mentioned, some tasks are ones she feels she must complete herself, and afterwards, she tends to dwell on them. The overly compliant person offers what they have, but they just want to exchange it for love.
It's worth noting that the need to please isn't exclusive to women. One of my male elders in my family is used to overcompensating, and at family gatherings, he often talks about his past contributions. If you think he's trying to take credit, I respectfully disagree. It seems like he's simply trying to gain recognition from his inner parents, which is a natural desire. Affirming one's goodness, value, and love is important for everyone.
"It could be said that compassion is the foundation of benevolence."
I came across a quote from Mencius yesterday that I found particularly thought-provoking: "Compassion is the beginning of benevolence." The word "compassion" is defined as "sympathy." If the questioner were to consider the growth experience and living environment of this "she," it might be possible for them to feel sympathy for her.
It might be helpful to consider that a pleaser may not realize they are inadvertently damaging the relationship. They may unintentionally position themselves as the mother and exercise the unique power between parent and child on anyone. However, when facing an adult child, it's possible they may not realize the other party is an independent individual, continuing past habits. I'm not sure if the questioner watched yesterday's Spring Festival Gala. Huang Qishan's "Is It Mom or Daughter?" resonated with me deeply with these lyrics:
I'm not sure if I've done enough for my child.
If letting go is a lesson, then perhaps a mother has yet to fully embrace it.
[Sincere communication can help her to perceive things more clearly]
The Chinese have a long history of co-dependence. Many parents like to take on too much responsibility and do things for their children. It might be helpful to share this understanding with her: the most comfortable distance between people is to do a good job of separating tasks. I believe that of the three things in the world, I don't take care of God's business, I don't take care of other people's business, and I don't let other people take care of my business. In any case, it might be beneficial to give priority to meeting your own needs. Treat your adult children with respect for their independence, don't deprive them of opportunities to grow, and consider offering a helping hand, while also inviting them for others. Otherwise, it's easy to cross the line.
As previously discussed, this "she" has been a great source of support for the family. It would be beneficial to consider her needs, take the initiative to meet them, and recognize and praise her for her contributions. It is unlikely that anyone would continue to crave food after they have eaten their fill. Similarly, once a person has experienced the feeling of being loved, they will naturally stop seeking love.
My name is Zhang Huili, and I hope my answer can be of some help to you. I wish you all the best during this festive season of family reunions. May you find joy in communicating and expressing yourself freely with those you love and those who love you. If you found this useful, I would be grateful if you could click the like button before leaving.


Comments
This behavior seems to reflect a pattern where the individual seeks validation or recognition for their actions, indicating an interpersonal dynamic that values external acknowledgment over intrinsic satisfaction.
By constantly revisiting the topic of what they've done, these individuals might be aiming to reinforce the impression of their generosity or selflessness, hoping to receive praise or appreciation in return. They may also be trying to establish a sense of obligation from the recipient, either consciously or subconsciously, expecting future reciprocation.
If someone is hesitant about performing a favor yet goes ahead and does it, only to then broadcast their actions, it could be because they feel pressured by social norms or expectations. They might believe that doing so will enhance their image or status within the community. Despite their initial reluctance, the act of telling others can serve as a way to justify their effort to themselves and to gain the approval they desire from those around them.
Some people might engage in such behavior due to a lack of confidence in their own worth, using acts of giving as a means to seek reassurance. The continuous discussion of their good deeds can be a method to fill an emotional need, even if it's at the expense of appearing selfserving.
In some cases, this kind of behavior could be rooted in a cultural context where there is a strong emphasis on communal responsibility and mutual aid, but with an underlying expectation of public acknowledgment. The person might not necessarily be reluctant but feels that talking about their actions is part of the social contract.