For thirty years, Marta has honored that contract. She says "yes" to every favor. She apologizes for having a bad day. She explains her emotions in a soft voice so nobody feels threatened. She has perfected the art of shrinking.
Marta is the poster child for El Síndrome de la Chica Buena (The Good Girl Syndrome). On the surface, it looks like a compliment: "She is so nice." "She is so selfless." "She never causes problems."
Break the cage, Marta. The world doesn't need another Good Girl. The world needs the whole, messy, real you. Do you see yourself in Marta? If so, your homework for this week is simple: Say "No" to one small thing. Do not justify. Do not over-explain. Just say, "That doesn't work for me." Feel the fear, and do it anyway. That is the first step out of the syndrome.
But healing means Marta must sit in the silence. She must learn to exist without being useful. She must look in the mirror and ask: If I wasn't helping anyone, if I wasn't making anyone happy, would I still like myself?