Why Are You So Afraid to Say No?

Reflection questions to help you move past fear

Since we were toddlers, the word "no" has been a part of our vocabulary. As we grow older, our interactions with people in society may make us afraid to say no. Some of us are taught that saying “no” is bad, and we strive to be seen as good and unproblematic to avoid negative consequences.

Photo by Steady Hand Co. on Unsplash

When I was a kid, I got in trouble for saying “no” because it was considered talking back, which resulted in me constantly feeling like it was my responsibility to please others.

When we are discouraged from speaking up and are punished for asking for what we desire, it creates a society of people who struggle with self-advocacy and assertiveness. We are all born with the language we need to care for ourselves and advocate for ourselves, but societal pressures can make it difficult to exercise these skills.

The good news is that it’s never too late to learn how to say no to someone or something. Use these reflection questions below to help you build the courage to assert yourself and to say “no” more confidently.

Reflection Questions: