A friend asks you for help with the third move in two years, your colleague would be so grateful if you could take over her presentation, your sister just wants to bring the children over for a very short time ... Stop! Do you often get the feeling that everyone is coming to you because you are guaranteed to jump in because you can't say no? Helping others is great, but you shouldn't lose sight of yourself in the process.
A no doesn't mean the end of a friendship
Have you ever broken off contact with a friend just because she couldn't help you? No, have you? Friendship does not mean sacrificing yourself for the other person. True friends will understand that you have to give up from time to time. The important thing is to give a reason. Be it a lack of time, energy or know-how.
Present yourself confidently to other people
Those who display an insecure posture are more easily taken advantage of by others. Learning to say no also means doing so with an upright posture and with your head held high - this way you are more likely to get colleagues and friends to accept a no.
Learning to say no without a guilty conscience
Of course, rejecting someone has a bad aftertaste. Especially when the other person is disappointed, it's easy to feel guilty. But practice makes perfect: over time, you will realize that it is okay and even important to stand up for your own needs and learn to say no.
Don't be afraid of being labeled an egoist
Nobody wants to come across as selfish. However, a healthy dose of self-love has nothing to do with selfishness, but helps you to maintain personal boundaries. If someone still accuses you of antisocial behavior, realize that they are probably just trying to put pressure on you and force you to say yes.
Feel free to make a counter-offer
It doesn't always have to be a no - sometimes a compromise is the best solution. Think about how to approach the matter together with your counterpart. This demonstrates: Hey, I really care that you're doing well.
Learn to say no - even to yourself
If you slow yourself down more often, it will also work better with others. Stop your inner perfectionist from time to time, like this: It would be great if I could do the tax today. But ... no, I have to go to bed now.