Mike DomitrzPresident, Author, and Speaker on Respect, The Center for Respect, Inc. · Author & Speaker on Respect for Schools, Corporations, & the Military since 1990 (has reached

Saying 'No' is not mean! Saying 'No' is respecting YOUR boundaries and they matter #centerforrespect

11 Sept 2024 · 0 min

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In this brief spoken segment, the speaker examines why people often say "yes" when they truly want to say "no," identifying the primary cause as a fear of disappointing a partner and a learned belief that refusing is mean. The speaker argues that saying "no" is actually a kind, honest act that respects both oneself and one's partner, emphasizing that authenticity and respect are more valuable than simply being "nice," which can feel fake. The message encourages viewers to prioritize honest boundaries over people‑pleasing niceness.

I wanted to say no. I said yes instead. Does that happen a little bit or a lot? What's the number one reason people say yes when they want to say no? And here's it: they don't think it's pity in the moment. They think it is. I don't want to disappoint my partner because somebody taught them that saying no was mean. Saying no is not mean. It's one of the kindest things you will ever do for yourself and your partner because you're actually being honest with your partner. Life is not about being nice. I'd rather know you were respectful than nice because how many agree nice can be fake?