A Word We All Know But Have Trouble Saying
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Word We All Know But Have Trouble Saying

Who knew one little word could make all the difference?

19
A Word We All Know But Have Trouble Saying
WordPress

"No."

A simple word. Short, sweet and to the point. And yet at the same time, for a lot of us, it is a hard word to say. Why? Why is it so hard to make a decision that goes against someone? Why do we feel the need to make up some sort of excuse like, "Sorry, I can't, plans with the family" rather than just say that you won't be coming?

When I was younger, in the midst of puberty, something changed. I went from being a carefree kid to one that constantly craved to please others. In my eyes, if I didn't make people smile or laugh, or get invitations to a sleepover or to sit with someone at lunch, I had failed. I taught myself to change how I acted, to be someone other than myself, to please others, hoping that would mean I would have friends. That backfired, however, when I got older. I lost the ability to say no.

I would end up attending things I didn't want to. I would help someone who asked for my help even though I didn't think they deserved it. If I was friends with someone who was toxic, I would have a hard time getting away from them, and I would end up getting used because I couldn't say no. It was actually because of one of these relationships that it hit me what the problem was.

There comes a time in everyone's life when they realize they have to learn to say no. For the sake of your happiness, "no" should be as easy to say as it is to pronounce. You can't go to everything. You can't help everyone. You can't let someone push you down to help themselves get farther. What I was doing was wearing myself out. I couldn't handle it. And I was terribly unhappy. I thought I was helping these people and that since they were my friends, that it would make me happy. Once I learned to say no, though, the smile I craved came back.

Don't change yourself for anyone else, and don't let yourself be used! The "friends" you make when you aren't yourself won't make you happy. The ones you make when you are being true to yourself love you for being who you are, and that is what will actually make you happy. It's a word we all know, and it's a word that tends to be hard to say, but to keep your own sanity and to find your own happiness, that little word can make all the difference.

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.

56858
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?

36649
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.

958450
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.

189447
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