Why Is It So Hard To Say ‘NO’?

Last Update on July 1, 2022 : Published on July 2, 2022
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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you just couldn’t say no? Does that happen to you quite often? If yes, it is possible that you have an inability to say no. Do you wonder why is it so hard to say no?

If so, this blog is just for you. Today we will be talking about all the possible reasons why it is so hard to say no at work, to friends, to food, to family, etc. I remember, when I was in school I just didn’t know how to say no if I didn’t want to do something. ‘Yes’ is what I would always say for anything I was asked to do.

Long story short, I learned the hard way that there is nothing wrong in saying a ‘NO’ and one should exercise their right to make a decision based on what they are comfortable with. One of the best ways to overcome this inability to say no is to actually be aware of the reasons behind why it is so hard for you to say no.

And that’s what we are going to do today. We will explore the many reasons why it is so hard for you to say no. Let’s get started…

Reasons Why Is It So Hard To Say No?

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1.You think saying no is impolite

Sometimes we overburden ourselves by telling ourselves things that are completely impractical. Many of us do not say no just because we don’t want the other person to think badly of us. You don’t want to be seen as  impolite or politically incorrect to say so.

2.Saying ‘no’ is a sign of weakness

As absurd as it may sound, there are people who believe that if you refuse to do something for someone, you are a weak person. Such people wear pride on their collar, they are easily provoked and manipulated because they want to look tough in front of other people.

3.You want to make everyone happy

You feel like it is your responsibility to please everyone around you or make them happy even if it costs you your mental peace. You go out of your way to be on good terms with every person you know.

4.Fear of missing out

You fear being left out of various things that are to happen. You don’t want to look like someone who is very difficult to work with. Therefore, you say yes to everything that comes to you so that you can make a place for yourself and don’t miss out on anything.

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5.You know nothing more than to say ‘yes’

Agreeing to every help, request, favor, etc that comes to you because you simply are more comfortable in saying a yes rather than refusing a proposal and making things complicated and weird.

6.You want to look like a positive person

Many people believe that the one who agrees with everyone more often is the positive person and the one who doesn’t fear to disagree is merely a negative presence. You conform to others easily only because you want to paint yourself a positive picture.

7.You want to prove your worth

This particular reason why it is so hard for you to say no stems from low self-image, low self-worth and low self-esteem. Some people have an inability to say no just because they think very little of themselves hence are forced by their own mind to not say no.

8.You fear conflict

This is one of the strongest reasons why it is so hard for you to say no to people around you. You don’t like conflict, you fear conflicts. In order to escape any kind of disagreement or argument you just comply with whatever the other is demanding.

These are some of the many reasons why it is hard for you to say no. These being the common reasons, most people experience an extended version of these reasons depending on their personal life experiences.

It is very important for all of you to know that saying ‘NO’ to someone will not make you less of a person. It will only give you the strength and peace that you require to be the best version of yourself. Having boundaries is very important and what’s even more important is letting others know when to draw the line.

That’s All For Today!

I hope you found this blog interesting, informative and thought provoking. I hope you give these reasons why it is so hard to say no a deep thought so that you can identify the one that is keeping you from saying no when required.

You are as powerful and positive and you think you are. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle! Saying a ‘no’ is not a selfish act, it’s rather an act of honesty towards yourself and others.

Thanks for reading.

Take care and stay safe.

About The Author

Kirti Bhati
Kirti Bhati

I am an English literature (major) and psychology (minor) graduate from St. Bede’s College, Shimla. Postgraduate in Clinical psychology from IIS University, Jaipur. She has published a Research paper on Music therapy in the military population and Workplace stress in a national seminar conducted by Fortis hospital (gurugram) and international seminar conducted by St. Bede’s College, Shimla, Respectively. Authored a dissertation work on ‘effect of social media addiction on the mental and physical well-being in adolescents’ Currently working at calm sage as a writer.

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