If you keep saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”, this will have an impact on your self-esteem, as you are telling yourself continuously that your needs are not as important as someone else’s.

At times, it is great to do something for someone when you don’t really want to, and sometimes you just don’t have a choice! However, it is so important that you take the time to focus on what you want and need sometimes. Whether it’s at work or in your social life, people pleasing is a dangerous game to get into if you want to have good self-esteem.

The people who truly care about you shouldn’t require you to always explain yourself if you would prefer a night in or if you don’t have time to do them a favour. So sometimes, it’s okay to say “no”…and only “no”.