How to… learn to say ‘no’

Psychologist Dr Alison Mcclymont on how to stop being a people pleaser…

DON’T OVER-EXPLAIN

‘Saying no is as acceptable a response to a question as saying yes is. Don’t feel the need to add an explanation or an apology. We can find ourselves over-explaining and opening ourselves up to a negotiation that we didn’t want to have.’

REFRAME IT

‘A lot of people think that if they say no, people will judge them, abandon them or stop liking them. Responding with “No” reminds people that you have boundaries.’

BE SELFISH

‘If saying yes costs you more than you are prepared to give, then say no – nobody is going to defend your wellbeing if you won’t do it for yourself.’