I’m Taking Back The Word 'No'
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

I’m Taking Back The Word 'No'

I told myself that being groped at work behind closed doors, was my fault because I let him do it.

60
I’m Taking Back The Word 'No'

It can be really tough to realize that you're being harassed, or abused in a relationship, your workplace, or with a complete stranger. Throughout my life, I've always told my self that things were fine. That whatever someone did to me, was fine. That everything was my fault, wasn't it? Everything was my fault because I didn't say no enough, or I was "too" friendly, or I just had to take it.

I told myself so many times that being talked down upon, or cheated on by my boyfriend was normal and healthy. That he was just being brutally honest, even when I would cry, or get so stressed to the point of anxiety attacks, that through all of that, it was still my fault. I told myself that being groped at work behind closed doors, was my fault because I let him do it. I led him to believe that I wanted that. I told myself that I had to give in to a friend asking me to do something he wanted me to do because he TOLD me I had to. That I owed him that as his friend.

That my "no" meant nothing to him, no matter how many times I said it. I owed him whatever he wanted, didn't I? At this point, I'm just sick of thinking about these things, because I blame myself. I'm sick of my "no" not meaning a damn thing, and I'm sick of thinking that I owe anyone anything at all. I don't. I'm sick of society teaching young men, and women, that we owe anyone SHIT. We don't, we never did.

It's like we've been brainwashed to believe that we're just here to please other people. That our feelings don't mean anything until we're alone and we can let them out on our own. I'm sick of feeling stupid, and alone, and like I have no voice. I do, we all do.

It's time to start speaking up. It's time to be apart of the noise. It's time to take back the word "no" and realize what is okay, and what isn't. It's time to stop being so uncomfortable, and acting like these things don't happen. It's time to stop blaming ourselves. I'm ready, are you?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57917
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37311
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958996
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192259
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments