If you have trouble saying NO consider yourself lucky because I have a scoop specially for you. Just like you I used to be afraid to say no especially to people that I didn’t want to lose in my life. I never wanted to say no because :

(a) I didn’t want to lose friends.

(b) I thought saying no was selfish and rude.

(c) I was a people pleaser, I wanted everyone to like me and to say only nice things about me.

I know this journey probably seems terrifying but trust me you’ll be fine. I’ll hold your hand through it all.

. “I refuse to please others at the expense of my emotional well-being. Even if it means saying no to people who are used to hearing yes.”

Anonymous

HOW TO SAY NO‼️ :

🖤 Be assertive :

You don’t have to be rude or end your relationship because you simply won’t do something. Be polite and nice while also standing your ground. Be confident and boldly let “NO” fly out your mouth. Do not bend over.

🖤 Practice makes perfect :

Practice saying no a few times or a lot of times before you can say it to someone else. Look at yourself in the mirror, look straight into your eyes and say no plenty of times before you can say it to anybody else. This practice will help you appear more confident when you actually have to say no.

🖤 Set boundaries :

Know what you will or will not put up with. Know exactly where your boundaries start and where they end. You can literally pull out a piece of paper right now and write down what you will or will not accept to be treated. This way you will know when to say no. May I suggest this article to help you : https://wp.me/patjy1-2z

🖤 Be firm :

Stand up straight, shoulders back, maintain eye contact and say, “NO.” You mean business because when you say no you mean exactly that. Don’t go back on your words or be manipulated. Stay firm, stay strong.

🖤 Stop explaining yourself :

NO is a full sentence!!

Giving an explanation after saying no probably seems nice and sweet but don’t offer an explanation. You don’t owe anybody an explanation, remember that. If you offer an explanation people will find an alternative that’ll make you say yes. For example if your friend says:

“Hey Jessie, want to come by tonight I’m having a party?”

And you reply saying :

“I would love to Olive but I have a meeting tomorrow so I don’t think I’ll manage”

Olive can reply and say:

“Don’t worry about Jess, we can move the party to an hour from now and you can leave a little bit later on, you’ll still be able to get enough sleep.”

OR

“No worries girl I’ve got your back, I’m actually throwing 3 parties this week and we can throw the other 2 whenever you’re free this week.”

How can you turn down Olive’s free booze now if only you said no from the beginning Olive wouldn’t have invited you to the other 2 parties.

🖤 Just say it :

Stop beating around the bush and just get to it already. Just open your mouth and let “NO” roam free.

🖤 Put yourself first :

Be selfish and think about what’s best for you. Don’t sacrifice your Sunday evenings for poor Rachel who waited till the last minute to do her project. She knew what she was getting herself into. I’m sure saying “yes and” is really amazing and opens you up to great opportunities but it can also stretch you too thin and leave you even thinner.

When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.”

Paulo Coelho