Hey boo, heyyy:

Have you ever been in a situation, where someone asks you to do something that you just don’t want to do? Like a friend wants you to drive them to the mall (without giving you any gas money)? Or that one family member (who always asks for money) wants you to do them a favor? You want to say “no,” but you don’t want to look like the bad guy, so you just say, “yes.” Trust me I’ve been there and it can be very difficult at times. You will end up putting yourself in predicaments that makes you unhappy, but the other person is just ecstatic.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with doing things for the people I love, or for another human being in general, but I refuse to be taken advantage of. There’s nothing worse (okay they are worse things) then to be used by someone you care about. Unfortunately, many people will take advantage of you, when they realized that you can’t say “No!”

So if you are someone who can’t say “NO” this post is very you! It doesn’t matter who asks you, or the circumstances, if you are not comfortable with saying “yes,” just say “no.”

Say “no” when….

1. When you’re tired.

Sleep certainly isn’t for the weak. If you’re feeling run down, don’t feel obligated to commit to something.  If you are tired and someone asks yo to do them a favor, just say “no” and go take a nap.

2. When you’re uncomfortable.

If someone asks you to do something or go somewhere and the thought of it makes your stomach churn, reconsider. If you think about it for awhile and you still don’t feel comfortable, just don’t do it.

3. When you can’t manage the time commitment.

People often wear “busy” as a badge of honor, especially in the workplace. However, that mentality can lead to burnout and serious health risks like  chronic stress. So just don’t do it. it’s okay to slow down and relax for a day.

4. When you’re uninterested.

Honey, life’s too short to spend your energy on circumstances that don’t engage your heart or mind. You should constantly be pursuing activities and circumstances that help you grow instead of solely filling your schedule with the mundane.

5. When you’re saying “yes” just to please someone.

Constantly putting your needs on the back burner is hardly healthy. Remember that you are your own biggest advocate. Self-care is not always selfish.

6. Whenever the hell you want to.

Ultimately, it’s your life. Make whatever choices are going to be best for you and your well-being. If that means declining, then say it with conviction. Because by saying “no” to circumstances you don’t want in your life, you’re saying “yes” to yourself — and that’s a beautiful thing.

“Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish. Anybody who gets upset and/or expects you to say YES all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Always remember: You have a right to say NO without having to explain yourself. Be at peace with your decisions.”

― Stephanie Lahart