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the pressure to not say yes to everything is painful i say yes to everyone even when i has a bad effect on me cause i want everyone to be happy have you got some advice to help me say no cause im tired thankyou
Hi there,
Saying yes all the time might seem it’ll keep others happy, but that’s not always true. Saying no to someone can feel hard at first, but the more you try the easier it can get. Remember, you matter too, and your wellbeing is just as important as anyone else’s.
Saying no is an important way to set boundaries. It helps to protect your time, energy, and wellbeing. Learning how to say no is a skill, and it can take practice to feel confident expressing what you want. There are lots of small, kind ways you could say no to someone, for example:
· “I wish I could, but I really need some time for myself”
· “I’ve got a lot on at the moment, so I can’t say yes this time”
· “I’m sorry, but I’ve got other plans”
It can help to remember that often people don’t mind if you say no or you can’t do something. If someone is pressuring you to do something you’re not comfortable with then that’s them doing something wrong, not you. We’ve got loads of advice on ways to manage peer pressure.
Practicing what you want to say can help. If you’re struggling, you could also talk to someone you trust can help. The message boards are a helpful place to get advice from other young people on how they set boundaries and tips for ways to say no.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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