Elman explores how societal pressure to be "nice" often leads to emotional exhaustion and resentment. She argues that setting boundaries is the single greatest tool for reclaiming your time and energy.
A fair critic might say: "This 'joy of being selfish' movement is dangerous. It sounds like narcissism." the joy of being selfish pdf
One of the most informative insights in the book is the correlation between a lack of selfishness and the prevalence of resentment. Coulson argues that people who identify as "givers" or "empaths" often operate under a transactional model: they give, expecting a return of appreciation or love, and become embittered when that debt is not paid. This is the trap of the "People Pleaser." Elman explores how societal pressure to be "nice"