1. You’re probably not the only one

If you’re in a group of friends, odds are that there are other people who share your thoughts. Maybe they’re hesitant or trying to avoid conflict - and that’s OK, too. But whether you’re looking to bolster support in your own opinion or making sure everyone’s on the same page, put your own voice forward. You never know who else might agree with you.

2. It saves time

How many minutes have you wasted while dithering about what movie to watch or whether to go to Wawa afterward? “What do you want to do?" "I don’t know, what about you?” Especially when you’re in a large group, there needs to be a person who speaks up, because nothing will ever get done otherwise. (Come on, you know it’s true.) You can be that person, if only for the sake of getting to the fun stuff faster.

3. And clears up confusion

Being straightforward with your own opinion establishes clear plans and choices for the whole group. However, it also works in one-on-one encounters, where confusion can often be created because neither person wants to express him or herself directly. Why make communication more complicated than it has to be when you can say what you mean directly, face-to-face?

4. You get what you want

People are not mind-readers. Being passive-aggressive or dithery about your intentions is confusing and frustrating for all parties involved. Unless you speak your mind, no one is going to know exactly what you’re going for— and therefore, cannot give you what you want unless you tell them. You are your best advocate, so why let others speak for you?

5. You’re perceived as confident

Speaking your mind establishes that you are your own person and that you aren’t afraid to let others know it. That’s an incredibly admirable— and empowering— trait. Even if you don’t feel confident in yourself at the moment, know that others may see you as such.

6. It’s freeing

Few things in life are more satisfying than speaking your mind and being done with it. Being honest and open with other people gets rid of that albatross around your neck. By being straightforward, you effectively put the ball in someone else’s court, and let go of any stress you might have felt. You’ve done the best you could in that moment, and now you can sit back, relax, and see how the chips fall.

7. You don’t have to regret not having said something

What’s the worst that could happen? People disagree with you, give you a funny look, or ignore you completely? Those are trivial compared to the regret you’d feel if you hadn’t dared to say anything at all.