How do I stop feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions?

Feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions is exhausting and often stems from growing up in a family where you learned to manage others' moods to feel safe or loved. You might have been the peacekeeper, the one who tried to make everyone happy, or the child who felt responsible for a parent's emotional well-being. This pattern can continue into Adult, making you feel guilty when others are upset, even when their emotions have nothing to do with you. You might find yourself constantly trying to fix other people's problems, walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting anyone, or feeling anxious when someone in your life is struggling. The truth is that you cannot control other people's emotions, and trying to do so is not only impossible but also disrespectful to their autonomy and personal growth. Everyone has the right and responsibility to feel their own feelings and learn to cope with life's challenges. When you constantly try to manage others' emotions, you prevent them from developing their own emotional regulation skills and create unhealthy dependency. Start by noticing when you're taking responsibility for feelings that aren't yours. Practice phrases like 'That sounds really difficult' instead of immediately trying to fix or coping with change how someone feels. Set Personal boundaries around how much emotional labor you're willing to take on. Remember that being supportive doesn't mean being responsible for someone's emotional state. You can care about others without carrying their emotions as if they were your own.