PLEASE,LET'S ALL DITCH BEING A DOORMAT

BEING NICE IS GREAT—BUT IT COULD ALSO MEAN YOU NEVER PUT YOURSELF FIRST. HERE’S HOW TO GET STRONG AND ASSERTIVE IN SIX SMART STEPS.

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Your BFF is begging you to be her duet partner. You’d much rather work on your submission for the photo exhibit than endure hours in the music room…but say yes anyway. Sound familiar? It’s easy to become a full-on people pleaser, but there are ways to do what you want— without feeling guilty.

#1: OWN YOUR ANSWER

Sure, staying silent might seem easier than having an awkward convo, but promise yourself you’ll speak up the next time you need boundaries. Say you really don’t like the way your bestie always bugs you for your history HW, yet you constantly fork it over just to avoid drama. Ax this act by letting her know she needs to do her own work (but you’re happy to help if needed, ofc). Keep your tone friendly but firm—the more direct, controlled and composed you are when it comes to being true to yourself, the more respect you’ll command.

#2: CHECK YOUR EMOTIONS