Sometimes, saying no seems like some kind of a sin. It's like you automatically become a bad person because you dared to mutter this word. Saying no can make you feel like you're being mean to others and can fill you with this overwhelming feeling of guilt. Here's the thing though, it's really okay to say no sometimes.

It took me way to long to learn this simple fact. I'm still not super confident in saying this simple, tiny word. It just seems too selfish. It could make people suddenly hate me or have a negative view of me.

Honestly, none of this really matters. It's impossible to always please everyone and to make everyone like you. If someone honestly changes their opinion of you because you don't want to go to a party, you probably don't need them in your life. It's petty and that's not a true friend. If these people you deny go and talk about you behind your back, they need some hobbies to fill up their time. The truth is, you can't worry about other's opinion of you. You need to stay true to yourself and your beliefs.

Your decisions about what you do with your life are up to you. Your opinion is the most important when regarding your life's course. Stand up to the pressures that others may place upon you because you're stronger than peer pressure.

It's not always easy to say no when the person is someone who you have a great respect for. While it's a bit ridiculous to say no to cleaning your room when your mom asks, just because you don't feel like it, there are times when you may have to stand up to them. Your parents can't make certain choices for you, like what college you attend or who you vote for. That one is your choice because it dictates a path that your life will follow.

You are the one is the most affected by your actions and choices. If you say yes to a party and fail an 8 am exam you have the next day, you are the one at fault for that. Sometimes, being a little selfish is okay. You create your own destiny every single day. Choose wisely.