Animals that live in herds or packs are naturally programmed not to kill another animal of the same species. Dogs or wolfs will usually not fight until the death. The weaker will lay on its back when it feels it has been defeated as a sign of contrition, causing the attacker to relent. Chimpanzees display a 'sigh-groan reaction' to admit defeat.
People do not roll on their backs to admit defeat but have other manners to beg for mercy. I am sure you know people who you do not consider to be very nice, who barely show affection, have just a tendency for 'safety in numbers', but show with an expression of their face 'I'll be nice to you so you be nice to me'. We call this 'aiming to please'. In Southern Europe aiming to please is much more common than in Scandinavian countries. Everyone who tends to react to threat or annoyance with aggression needs to develop a coping mechanism in order to fit into human society: We know these mechanisms very well; we smile at people, shake hands, and act cordially. We try to be nice to people, and expect the same in return. In effect we are saying, 'I am not defensive, I am kind and gentle, so you be that way too'. This is related to how you see yourself and how you wish others to see you. You want others to like you and therefore you display likeable characteristics. Not everyone has the same desire to be accepted. When someone aims to please too much, we see this as a weakness. People who try to convince others and have a decent level of self-esteem show less of this behavior. In societies based on hierarchy, aiming to please is common place.
Go back to 'Human reactions to insecurity'.
| Keeping Quiet | Over compensating | Fighting | To Flee |
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| Safety in numbers | Keeping distance | Aiming to please |
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