The book "Are You Mad at Me?" by Meg Josephson is a groundbreaking exploration of people-pleasing as a common survival instinct called "fawning." It reveals that people-pleasing is not a personality trait but a trauma response learned in childhood to feel safe by becoming more appealing to perceived threats. The book combines Josephson’s clinical expertise as a psychotherapist with personal stories and client case studies to help readers identify different roles they might play—like peacekeeper, performer, caretaker, perfectionist—and offers practical tools to stop fearing emotions, rethink conflict and boundaries, and build healthier relationships. It aims to help readers move away from chronic anxiety and resentment towards a more authentic and joyful life. The book was published in 2025 and has received praise for its clear, compassionate approach and clinical insight.
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