Lesser-known facts about the father of modern science
Another common trait of low-maintenance people is their reluctance, or even inability, to express their own opinions, preferences, and concerns.
But as much as being low-maintenance can seem to be a positive thing on the surface, dig a little deeper into the reasons for it and this behavior is quite troubling.
People who are described as low-maintenance tend to go with the flow. This can mean they end up with more than their fair share of responsibility, either at home or at work.
Conversely, someone who is low-maintenance tends to be happy for others to take the lead. They are often seen as agreeable and easy-going.
In the context of human beings, however, the picture is a little more complicated. On the one hand, we tend to think of being high-maintenance as a negative thing.
When people use the term "low-maintenance" to describe another person, most often their partner, they generally mean it as a compliment.
Let's look at some common characteristics of low-maintenance people. First up is reluctance to complain or demand attention from others.
Indeed, the term "high-maintenance" evokes images of someone who steals the spotlight, thrives on conflict, and loves to make absolutely everything about them.
Ever find yourself bending over backwards to make your partner happy? Not raising your voice during a family argument because you're worried about upsetting people further? People pleasing and not setting boundaries are classic character traits of so-called "low-maintenance" individuals. Although people often use this term as a compliment, in reality the situation is a little more complicated.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
Indeed, when we think of low-maintenance things that are not people, such as a garden or a haircut, it is difficult to argue that it's not a good thing.
In reality, being low-maintenance is not the same as living simply. Rather, it is about requiring too little, both from ourselves and from others.
However, there are also less extreme scenarios and experiences that we can go through in childhood that can give rise to low-maintenance adults.
The scenario may even be less extreme than that. A child who repeatedly hears from their parents that what they are feeling is "no big deal" may feel misunderstood and learn to stifle their emotions.
One example is when parents frequently minimize their children's emotions, telling them to be tough or to "get over it."
Similarly, children who are neglected by their parents may come to believe that they are unimportant and that their needs will not be met, even if expressed.
The children of adults with substance abuse problems often learn to be responsible from a very young age, and they may learn to suppress their own needs in the process.
If this all sounds like you, you might be wondering where these behaviors came from. For many people, these self-deprioritizing habits began in childhood.
And it's true: a key characteristic of a low-maintenance person is that they want others to be happy, even if it is at the expense of their own well-being.
There are many reasons that a child may learn to suppress their desires, emotions, and opinions. One of the more extreme cases is the children of addicts.
This is particularly true in the context of a conflict: low-maintenance people will almost always hold their tongue in an argument, even if they have a strong opinion.
Finally, people described as low-maintenance are often called "people pleasers" by others. That is, they bend over backwards to make other people happy.
In some cases, being low-maintenance can be a serious problem, since it means you are unable to accurately identify and describe your own emotions.
Remind yourself that you are just as worthy as anyone else of having a healthy and happy life, complete with relationships that allow you to thrive.
Sources: (YourTango) (KindCompassCoach)
See also: The sad reasons why some good relationships don't last
In most cases, it stems from a fear of being rejected if we make demands of others, or being abandoned if we challenge our friends and family.
This can set you up for a lifetime of unmet needs and challenging relationships. So, is there anything you can do about it?
In order to break free from your low-maintenance facade, you'll have to dig deep and find the confidence to express exactly what you want and need.
If a child does not make friends easily, they may adopt low-maintenance behaviors to show others that they don't require much in return for their friendship.
Finally, children with a disabled sibling may make a conscious effort to be low-maintenance, so as to ease the burden on their parents or caregivers.
So-called "glass children" tend to learn early on that their siblings' needs are greater than theirs, and they carry this lesson with them into adulthood.
If you feel that you may be a low-maintenance person and you're suffering for it, do some soul-searching and try to understand where your behavior comes from.
Another situation that can give rise to low-maintenance behaviors is when a child finds it difficult to make friends, either at school or otherwise.
How to know if you are too low-maintenance
Hint: it's not necessarily a good thing
LIFESTYLE Behavior
Ever find yourself bending over backwards to make your partner happy? Not raising your voice during a family argument because you're worried about upsetting people further? People pleasing and not setting boundaries are classic character traits of so-called "low-maintenance" individuals. Although people often use this term as a compliment, in reality the situation is a little more complicated.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.