i am a people displeaser! and i often urge my friends and family and even my clients to try it out. i can't even describe the freedom that a person can feel when they harness the power of "NO."

i think it makes me more trustworthy and it makes my helpful gestures more meaningful. the people closest to me understand that if i am doing something with or for them, it's because i WANT to....whether its because the task or activity is something that i want to do, or because i want to be there for the person in that moment, they know that i wouldnt be there otherwise.

i've got a few friends who are people pleasers and i can tell you it is EXHAUSTING! i never want to ask them for anything or to do anything with me because, frankly, i know they'll say yes regardless of whether or not they want to. and i have no interest in being around people who do not wish to be around me. with these friends i always preface things with "please feel free to say no!" and then i end with the same phrase....