Learning to say no without feeling guilty
- Posted on 09/07/2025 11:45
- Film
- By kolaniyendoumiesther@gmail.com
Extract from the article: Being “stepped on” often means feeling that you have no say in the matter. We give in, step aside, say “yes” when we mean “no”, out of fear of conflict, displeasure or rejection. The result: frustration, internalized anger and loss of self-esteem....
Being “stepped on” often means feeling that you have no say in the matter. We give in, step aside, say “yes” when we mean “no”, out of fear of conflict, displeasure or rejection. The result: frustration, internalized anger and loss of self-esteem. It's perfectly possible to break out of this pattern without becoming aggressive.
It
all starts with honest self-observation : in what situations do you feel
crushed ? Who crosses the line ? Is it at work, in your relationship, in your
family ? Introspection helps us understand why we act the way we do. This inner
mirror reveals our wounds and fears, and guides us towards lasting change. Learning
to say “no” means giving yourself the right to exist fully. It's not
selfishness, it's self-affirmation. It involves both words and body language:
speaking calmly, looking at the other person, adopting an upright posture. If
the “no” seems too curt, it's always possible to qualify it : “I understand,
but I'd rather not commit myself”.
If
the exercise seems too difficult on your own, professional help can be
invaluable in relearning to respect yourself and to be respected.
Jean ELI
