The Recovering People Pleaser: A Twelve-Step Guide to no Longer Giving a Hoot

You've apologized for things you didn't do. Said yes when you meant no. Spent entire nights replaying a conversation, convinced you said something wrong. You've bent over backwards, played metaphorical Twister, and still gone to bed wondering if everyone's okay with you.

Exhausting, right?

The Recovering People Pleaser is your permission slip to stop.

Using the framework of the 12 Steps of recovery, Lauren Preusz takes an honest, hilarious, and deeply personal look at people-pleasing for what it actually is — an addiction. An addiction to the thoughts and opinions of others that quietly robs you of your identity, your purpose, and your peace.

This isn't a book that'll preach at you. It's more like a long-overdue coffee date with a friend who happens to be a mental health counselor — one who's been exactly where you are and isn't afraid to laugh about it.

Through her own story, biblical truth, and clinically-informed tools, Lauren walks you through a 12-step journey toward freedom — the kind that comes not from people finally approving of you, but from knowing who God says you are, and deciding that's enough.

Each chapter ends with reflection questions designed to make the work stick. Grab a fun pen. Or type it. Whatever floats your boat.

This book is for you if:

• You say sorry more than you should
• You're exhausted by how much mental real estate other people's opinions take up
• You want your yes to actually mean yes
• You're ready to trade approval-seeking for the real thing

What readers are saying:

"Reads like that long-overdue coffee date with your best friend: funny, introspective, and heartfelt."— Whitney Henneman, author of The Barren Cry

"A must-read for anyone ready to trade approval-seeking for authentic connection and emotional freedom."— Courtney J. Burg, author of Loyal to a Fault

"Honest, raw wisdom straight from God."— Jessica Jeans, LMHC, Director, Guided by Grace