# Wanting to be loved by everyone doesn't protect you from rejection

> Wanting to be loved by everyone can sabotage your happiness more than protect you from rejection.
- Title: Wanting to be loved by everyone doesn't protect you from…
- Summary: Wanting to be loved by everyone can sabotage your happiness more than protect you from rejection. Wanting to please everyone harms happiness more than it…
- Keywords: psychology, self-esteem, journal of research in personality, 2003, rejection, happiness, self-worth, Wanting, loved, everyone, doesn't, protect
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/moi-et-les-autres-moi/Vouloir-absolument-etre-apprecie-par-tout-le-monde-ne-vous-protege-pas-du-rejet-cela-peut-surtout-saboter-votre-bonheur-622502
- Author: Ava Skoupsky
- Published: 2026-09-29T08:02:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: psychology, self-esteem, journal of research in personality, 2003, rejection, happiness, self-worth
## Wanting to please everyone is unrealistic
Wanting to please everyone is as seductive as it is illusory and doomed to fail.
## High self-esteem boosts happiness
People who value themselves in areas they consider important for social approval have higher self-esteem than those who don't.
## Self-esteem matters more than others
Self-esteem grows when you focus on what matters to you, not on pleasing others.
## 2003 study confirms this
A 2003 study in the Journal of Research in Personality shows that self-esteem affects happiness more than social approval.
## How to build self-esteem
Ask yourself: Do you love yourself? Do you respect yourself? What words would you use to describe yourself to a stranger?
## Self-reflection improves happiness
Writing answers to these questions helps you understand your needs and build self-esteem.
## Key takeaway

Wanting to please everyone harms happiness more than it prevents rejection, according to a 2003 study in the Journal of Research in Personality.