Do I Struggle To Say ‘No’?

Do you say ‘yes’ as a natural instinct and usually don’t even think about saying ‘no’?

Are you worried saying ‘no’ could make you look unhelpful or affect your prospects?

Are you afraid others may not like you if you say ’no’?

Do you always want to demonstrate willingness and commitment?

Do you want to be considered a team player?

Are you afraid that saying ‘no’ will put your relationship with the person in question at risk?

Do you avoid saying ‘no’ because you really like or want to help?

Do you often feel guilty after saying ‘no’?

Do you believe that it’s just not nice to say ‘no’?

Do you avoid saying ‘no’ to not hurt someone else’s feelings?

Are you afraid of missing out on an opportunity?

Based on your answers, you don’t really seem to struggle to say ‘no’, which is actually a good sign! Many people have problems saying ‘no’ because they are afraid of being rejected or disliked. They don’t want to be the reason that someone else feels bad. However, as you may know, often you do have to say ‘no’, especially in a work environment. Maybe you simply don’t have time to help or the ability but saying ‘no’ can make a lot of people feel uncomfortable. Luckily, you don’t seem to have a problem with it!

Based on your answers, you are displaying some difficulties to say ‘no’. It’s never nice to hear the word ‘no’, because in general it represents failure and rejection. Most of the time, it’s not the answer we have been hoping for. Many people struggle to say ‘no’ when they are asked to do something, because they don’t want to be the reason that others feel bad. It’s important to understand why it’s hard for you to say ‘no’, so you can challenge underlying false beliefs (e.g., if I say ‘no’, they think I’m selfish) and learn to set healthy boundaries without being mean. Besides, don’t be afraid to reach out to a psychologist if you need a little more help and guidance.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who have difficulties saying ‘no’. Many people have problems saying ‘no’ because they are afraid of being rejected or disliked. Of course, being helpful is generally a good thing. However, when we want to please people all the time, we don’t attend to what is most important in our own lives, such as our health and our relationships. It’s important to understand why it’s hard for you to say ‘no’, so you can challenge underlying false beliefs (e.g., if I say ‘no’, they think I’m selfish) and learn to set healthy boundaries without being mean. Besides, don’t be afraid to reach out to a psychologist if you need a little more help.