Recently, a close member of my family found herself in a situation that was designed to make her uncomfortable saying no to someone who asked a particular question. She confidently said no, making it clear that her answer was definite while maintaining her grace. I am incredibly proud of her for that.

This experience got me thinking. In recent years, the phrase “say yes” has been popularized in self-care and self-help contexts, promoting opportunities and possibilities. I genuinely believe in that concept. However, I also feel that this mindset can sometimes lead us into situations that might have been avoided if we had remained true to our instincts.

The takeaway is this: if you don’t feel it, it’s okay to say no. I assure you, the discomfort of saying no is outweighed by the discomfort of saying yes to the wrong thing.

“Don't say maybe if you want to say no” - Paul Coelho