Fawning is one of the 4 responses the brain has to a threat (Fight, Flight, and Freeze are the other three).

The brain chooses this option when it doesn't believe it can fight or escape the threat. It often comes after a freeze (aka play dead) episode with the individual. The brain believes its survival is dependent on the other person's approval and satisfied state, so it begins to try to appease or please the person. This is often attempted by trying to be perfect for them. The brain tries to shape itself to the ideal it believes the other person wants.

This cycle of trying to become what the survivor thinks they want is where they lose themselves. It is where the chronic habits of codependency emerge, including: people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, constant apologizing, giving up wants and needs, retreating to the shadows (aka being invisible), perfectionism, feeling worthless and unlovable, and craving their love and approval.

Listen to training for deeper insight into fawning and how we get out of it.

****

The Community: Find shelter, support, guidance and more here: https://community.freetheself.com
Got questions about my courses, memberships, and trainings?  Connect with me live during Community Answers.  Learn how here: https://answers.freetheself.com

You can follow me at:

My bio:  https://www.freetheself.com/meet-marshall/

My podcast: https://podcast.freetheself.com/

My Website: https://www.freetheself.com

YouTube: https://tv.freetheself.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happinessaftercodependency/

Tiktok: @happyaftercodependency

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freetheself

My Paid Courses:

The Heal Yourself Strategy (restore your safety, sanity, and self after narcissistic abuse): https://hys.freetheself.com

The Know Yourself Strategy (know, love, and live who you are through discovering your true worth and how to live from it): https://kys.freetheself.com

The Relationship Strategy (enjoy relationships and connections that bring joy, peace, play, and fulfillment to your life): https://trs.freetheself.com

Reclaiming Innocence (take back your innocence and discover how you are innately worthy and good): https://ri.freetheself.com

My Free Trainings, Tools & Practices:

Understand What Happened To You By Getting Clarity: https://clarity.freetheself.com

BE CALM™ body and mind calming tools: https://becalm.freetheself.com

The HEAL Yourself Toolkit: https://toolkit.freetheself.com

The S.A.R. Clearing Practice: https://sar.freetheself.com

The Tools Library: https://library.freetheself.com