People-pleasing, self-abandonment, and unmasking are deeply connected, especially for late-diagnosed neurodivergent folk. In this solo episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina breaks down how people-pleasing develops as a survival strategy, why it often leads to chronic self-abandonment, and what it really takes to unmask after years of shaping yourself around other people’s expectations.

You’ll learn:

• A simple definition of people-pleasing and how it functions
• What self-abandonment looks like and why it becomes automatic
• Why unmasking often feels scary, disorienting, or selfish (spoiler: it’s not)
• Three practical strategies to help you reconnect with your needs and rebuild trust with yourself

If you’ve spent most of your life trying to keep the peace, be "easy-going,” or avoid rejection ...