Do you sometimes feel pressure to always say “yes” to things? “Yes” to going out tonight. “Yes” to helping. “Yes” to planning. “Yes” to anything and everything.

We have been led to believe that it is borderline wrong to not say “yes.” If you don’t say “yes,” you’re boring, you’re rude, and you’re self-centered.

But, this is not true! These are all lies that society has fed us over the years.

You are allowed to say “no” and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. We all have the right to say “no.”

We must learn to be bold enough to guard our “yes” and reveal our true preferences.

Maybe some friends ask you to go out one night. But, you would really rather stay in and have a me-night. Or, you have some serious homework to catch up on. Or, you just want to go to bed early.

You should not feel bad for wanting to say “no.” You are under no obligation to say “yes.” If they are your real friends, they will understand.

Sometimes people will try to convince you that you are missing out or call you a stick-in-the-mud. But, if staying in for the night is something you enjoy, then how in the world are you missing out.

Maybe someone asks you to help them with their homework, but you are crazy busy yourself. Do you sacrifice your own grades in order to assist them? Of course not! Yes, we should be kind and help where we can. But, if you yourself are struggling to keep up with your own homework, then you shouldn’t feel bad telling them “no.”

There are many more situations where we should not feel required to say “yes.”

In more serious situations where someone may be trying to get you to do something you don’t want to do, remember you have the right to say “no.” Don’t let them pressure you if you are uncomfortable.

They may make you believe that if you say “no” you aren’t cool or that they will no longer be friends with you. But, if they are trying to get you to something that violates your conscience then they are not worth your time.

Obviously, training yourself to say “no” in situations is easier said than done. It may be difficult or even feel wrong because of what society has taught us about saying “no.” But, you reserve the right to use the “no” word.

If you guard your “yes,” it will free you up for things you really do want to say “yes” to. You won’t be wasting your time on activities you are uninterested in. You won’t waste your time hanging around people who don’t truly care about you.

Your “yes” is special so don’t waste it when it’s not worth it.

Say “yes” when it is to something you want. Say “yes” to the adventures you want to go on. Say “yes” to the people who are special to you.

The more we guard our “yes” the more valuable it becomes. And then, when you say “yes,” you know it is worth both your time and your “yes.”