Why You Can’t Say No (And How It’s Ruining Your Life)
For a long time, I said yes to almost everything — even when I didn’t want to. Not because I was kind or helpful, but because I was uncomfortable saying no. And slowly, without realising it, I was building a life that didn’t feel like mine. There is a version of your life that is entirely designed by other people. A life shaped by requests you couldn't refuse, obligations you didn't choose, commitments made in moments of discomfort when the alternative — disappointing someone — felt worse than saying yes to something you didn't actually want. Most people are living some version of this life right now. Busy but not fulfilled. Helpful to everyone but themselves. Constantly available to others while their own priorities quietly collect dust. I spent years in this version. I was the person who said yes to almost everything — every request from a colleague, every family favour, every social obligation, every additional task added to an already full plate. I told my...