How to Say NO When You Feel You Ought to Say Yes: The Duty Trap

We all do things out of obligation or because it's "the right" thing to do. So when should you put on the brakes and say "no"? If you are sticking with an unhappy marriage because of the children, or dealing with intolerable treatment at your workplace, have you ever stopped and asked yourself why you are taking this abuse? You probably feel that you have a duty to others that is greater than the duty to yourself. This is a common trap, causing you to neglect your own needs and making you miserable, and likely to damage your physical and mental health. Invariably, it is the fear of being judged as an uncaring and selfish person that makes you remain in an unpleasant situation. You deserve to live a happy life. Free yourself from negative situations by learning to work out what is actually ensnaring you, and then take positive action can increase your self-worth and esteem.