It is Okay to Say No

How many times have you spent more than you should simply because you were in a group and everyone was ordering or buying things?
How many times have you drunk more than you wanted because others were doing the same?
How often have you gone along with something that made you uncomfortable just to avoid seeming boring? Or how many times have you made a choice out of fear or crowd pressure?

It is easy to get swept up in the group mentality. Yet most of the choices we make in those moments turn out to be poor ones.
It feels tough to be left out or different, but losing yourself just to fit in is much worse.

From my experience, I have learned that when you stand firm and stay true to yourself and your values, despite group pressure, you do more than maintain your integrity. You also inspire others and give them the freedom to be their true selves.

So the next time you are out dining with friends, and you want to be mindful of what you order, don’t feel obligated to split the bill. Calmly explain why you cannot share the cost evenly, or why you will only pay for what you actually had.

Being assertive starts with knowing it is okay to say “No.”
It grows with practice through small steps taken every day.
Choose to love yourself first so that you can love others better.