Erin struggled to say “no” to people whenever they asked things of her, both in the workplace and her personal life. She always took on more than she could handle and she was stretched thin. This left her feeling exhausted, unappreciated, and taken advantage of, although she didn’t know how to stop saying “yes” to any invitation or request. She felt like she was a pushover and a doormat for others.

Many people feel obligated to say yes to all requests made of them, from social activities to workplace demands. It just seems easier than having to say no, which can make them feel guilty or that they’ve let someone else down. They might fear that declining or refusing a request will upset, offend, or even anger their friends, family, and peers. They also want to be helpful, likable, and to please others. Saying yes to everything is a people-pleasing behavior. Unfortunately, it’s a never-ending cycle of trying to make other people happy at the expense of one's own happiness.

Some people feel they have no choice in the matter. Studies show that women have a difficult time declining professional requests made by bosses, supervisors, and others. Women don’t say no professionally as........

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