How to say NO without feeling guilty?
Say no gracefully, without feeling guilt. ( Read the blog on, how to say NO without feeling guilty.)
No is a complete sentence. It shows that an individual disagrees but though we want to know the reason behind that NO.
We actually don’t care either the person is willing to express or not.
The thing that matter is “ why s/he said NO ?”
Few days ago,
I was having a smooth lined-up conversation but suddenly the conversation turned to be arguments. I said NO – No with a sentence to whatever the asking of opposite one was.
Because for me turning the page back is something that I won’t ever choose to do.
No matter how rugged – tough and relaxed the situation, if it’s NO it’s completely NO.
I believe in living life without the fear of being judged, disliked, or else rejected.
And if my NO, makes someone to judge me or labeled me as bad – it’s arduous – but I will let them judge.
I will let them label because I can’t stand on the people’s expectations of being a good girl by letting myself down.
I have seen the people who jump on YES, probably to please others but sometimes it gets harmful. The Art of Living Single.
Saying No isn’t easy – it takes a spunk !! But why is it so difficult to say NO, it’s just a word, right?
True, it’s a word – just a complete word. It gets tough because the word YES is often rooted in childhood. We have been taught to listen and do the activities commanded by others – in return to get praised.
And saying No was something like impolite or inappropriate.
But we never realize the behave of running after YES can lead to the pleasing world where we blurt out “YES” just one after another.
People say Yes because they fear rejection. They fear being judged or abandoned.
Probably, they think saying NO is a sign of weakness, or else they don’t want to let anyone down.
Or saying Yes can let you gain the trust – which actually seems like buttering.
There is a lot of reason to be the sucker of YES which ultimately gonna show the consequences and that will be either people will take you as guaranteed or slowly your worth will be worthless because you were making yourself available every time.
Don’t forget, compulsive people-pleasing can be a form of manipulation.
And getting used, to saying yes often makes you confused regarding your own selection and desire. UnrevealedThoughts
Saying No doesn’t mean you are a Bad, rude, or else unkind.
Saying NO is just a refusal not a rejection.
It’s the word that you decide on yourself based on your own discretion.
Therefore, it’s the high time to realize saying NO doesn’t make you an evil person.
It rather makes you start prioritizing yourself and acknowledging your value choosing your own opinion over others.
Don’t say yes unnecessarily because we end up making ourselves small and mitigating and diminishing.
Instead of saying yes on Impulse, put the habit of asking yourself, “ Am I ready to do this or not ?”.
Take some time and assess what is being asked of you. If the incoming answer sounds like you really wanna do – then great !!
But if the answer is straightly NO, then please don’t let your self-respect to be down and let others think you are available.
I remember one time I said yes to something and then later felt bad about it that I ended up lying not only the person – even me.
Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself, either you are taking it on your own or not. What does it feel to be harassed?
So, if you want to feel relaxed and get rid of the situation like overwhelmed or overbooked, start saying NO in a graceful way.
Start considering yourself first whenever you get the request to do something for someone.
It’s okay to say NO to the things that do not assists you.
Obviously, there are some people who always feel eager to put their opinion onto others. They even don’t realize what words they are choosing – just they care to suck your energy and the vibe that you carry.
You do not have to tolerate these behaviors.
Distance yourself from those energy-sucking vampires by the sword and i.e. NO.
I understand for some kind people saying NO or thought of saying No terrifies them. You are not everyone’s Cup of Tea.
Here are a few alternative words from my note, you can try without feeling guilty. ( How to say no without feeling guilty,)
- I’m SORRY, I’m busy right now.
- Unfortunately, it’s not something that I love to do.
- Sounds fun, but I’m not available right now.
- Thanks for thinking of me, but sorry I can’t go with this.
- I’m not able to commit that right now, may be next time.
- Can I get back to you?
Make the word as simple as you can. Make yourself less accessible and be respectful.
If you can give the alternative – do it but don’t forget no reply is also a form of reply.
Don’t choose to explain the word NO and justify yourself.
Saying YES is not wrong but constantly being YES makes you available in front of other’s so-called mindsets. (Profile.)
Think before you speak and act. And say NO whenever it’s required. (Do share among your friends, How to say NO without feeling guilty?)
Keep loving, living, and sharing!! ( What does it feel to be Harassed? Read the blog: What does it feel to be harassed? )
16 Comments
Rosie Ireland
I wont lie, I am terrible at saying no. I hate feeling like I’ve let people down and I need to do better. This post was really insightful and has opened my eyes to some of my own downsides!
Rosie
Sidhi
That’s really kind of you, please visit for more weekly updates 🙂
Pramesh Poudel
This article was really helpful for me to stay strong in own decision .
Amy
Yes! No is a word we need to be able to say without fear or judgment. It really is a part of maintaining self-care.
Thanks for this!
Sidhi
Glad you liked this one, please keep visiting 🙂
blake turck
this is such a lovely piece – I feel the hardest person I have trouble saying no to is probably more myself than anyone else …. I have learned at 39 years old how to finally set boundaries w/ people where I need to but I struggle to set them for myself, and can be brutally hard on myself. I think a lot of what you expressed here can also be used (changed a little) but used to focus on saying no to yourself or working to give myself more of what really need, and cutting myself a break way more often. Thanks for the insight xxoxo Bee
Vourneen
Great post! I have definitely learned how to say no over the last few years without feeling guilty. It was a necessity for me, as hard as it was to do.
Sidhi
This is necessary for every one of us dear. Thank you for your kind words. Keep on visiting.
Sidhi
I even agree with your points but sometimes it’s really necessary to say NO in a way or otherwise.
Thank you for your beautiful comments, please keep visiting 🙂
Sangam Bhattarai
This article was really helpful to me. I’m that kind of person who says YES to other’s tasks even if I have loads of my own. And the most depressing thing is whenever I’m in serious need of a helping hand I’m always by my own. Thanks for this post. Keep Posting!!
Pramesh Poudel
This article was really helpful for me to stay strong in own decision .
Sidhi
Gald you liked it brother:)
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes
This is such an important life lesson to learn. No is not a dirty word and it’s not something to feel guilty about (or even something we need to justify when we use it). No should — and is — enough. This was a great reminder to use this and be unapologetic about it.
Sidhi
YAY. We should always remember NO is not the wrong word and you don’t have to justify it while using it. Thank you for your beautiful motivational words. Please, keep on visiting.
Jamieadstories
I agree that using No too much is very negative.
Sidhi
Yea. But you should always say no to the things that you don’t want to do by heart. Thank you. Please, keep on visiting.