Have you ever been stuck on a word? A word you, for some reason, just can't seem to say. For me, it's always been "no." Regardless of the situation, I can't say no to people. It could be taking shifts at work, doing most of the work on group projects, or dates. Anything that requires a yes or no answer typically gets a yes from me.

However, I am tired of it. So, I thought I would tell a story. I thought I would tell a story on how sometimes saying yes to a date can end up hurting the person more than the initial no.

My junior year of high school there was a boy who liked me a lot. I'm talking notes in my locker, having his friends tell me he likes me, walking me to class, the whole nine miles. The problem was that I, no matter how nice he was, didn't have the same feelings for him that he for me. He was kind and seemed fragile. I didn't want to hurt him.

And then, he finally asked me on a date. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to give him hope that something was ever going to happen between us. I didn't feel the same way and I didn't think I ever would. But, when he asked me to a movie, did I say no despite all of my concrete mindset of how I felt about him? No. I faked smiled and said yes, because I didn't want to hurt his feelings by saying no.

It wasn't a bad date. It wasn't a good date. It was one of those dates that you didn't hate, but definitely wouldn't do again. Throughout the movie, he kept trying to put his arm around me, but I found myself completely almost on the other seat next to me trying to get away from him. That's when I knew I messed up.

I had given him the hope I shouldn't have. He was smiling ear to ear as we hugged goodnight while I was mentally crying. I had lost someone I saw as a friend, all because of my fear of saying no. The next day, he had texted me saying he had a great time and would love another date. I knew I couldn't keep him hanging on if I didn't ever see another date in the future.

I told him the truth.

And boy, was he mad.

I told him that I saw him as a friend and that we should stay friends, regardless of how awkward it was between us at that moment. He was pissed. I had never felt so bad about something that I had done until his nasty words came through on texts. He said something that stuck. "Why didn't you just say no when I asked?"

Why didn't I?

I knew the second he asked I didn't want to go. I knew that it would end this way. I knew what was going to happen, and yet, I said yes. I let him believe I was interested which was a lot harder for him in the end.

It's hard to say no. We all know what it's like to be rejected. It sucks. It's painful. It's embarrassing. But, if we think about it. Imagine if they hadn't rejected us the minute we asked. We would've continued to think they were interested if they weren't. It's a hell of a lot more painful to think you had a chance when you never did.

Keep in mind the next time you're scared to say no that maybe it might be better if you just did. Rejection sucks, but it's necessary.

Don't be afraid to say no. Don't be afraid to know how you feel and say how you feel. Be truthful. It's hurts more in the beginning, but it's a lot better in the long run, for everyone involved.