Stop Saying "Yes" When You Mean "No": 3 Simple Expert Tips to Set Healthy Boundaries
With these simple rules, you’ll finally stop ruining your own mental health for the sake of someone else’s comfort.
In the modern fragile world, we tend to keep good relationships with everyone around just to stay away from any type of conflict. However, in many cases this eventually leads to some becoming people-pleasers struggling to refuse to do something even if they really aren’t willing to.
It might be hard to learn how to make yourself and your own wishes a priority, but psychologists claim only two simple methods can help significantly — here’s what they are.
How to Learn to Say “No” to People?
According to experts, many people admit they say “yes” to others way too quickly and then regret having done so. This is the case where the “three seconds rule” is advised: before giving an answer to someone else’s request, breathe in and out and then say whatever you’d like. Two more seconds reserved for thinking the request over will help you decide whether you really want to do what that person wants you to or rather not.
Another possible solution is a so-called “sandwich refusal”: if you feel like you’re not willing to fulfil someone’s request, don’t just say “no” — accompany it with an explanation why you can’t do so. However, remember that the explanation should go first and the eventual refusal shouldn’t be way too rude.
Lastly, you can also use the red line method, which implies that you analyze your own priorities beforehand and define what is unacceptable for you personally. Once you make a list of things like this in your head, stick to it and make sure you always remember that such choices don’t need excuses.
