Making decisions, as in saying yes or no and meaning it, which relate to both intra and interpersonal communication, can be challenging for some and easy for others. It is a skill set that all can learn 100%. Now whether you want to or not is a whole other ‘thing’. Learning it will probably involve change! Some will say there is a balance between saying “yes” and “no”. Which I can accept if you fall too heavily one way or the other. I bet you have met that person that whatever you suggest their automatic response in no! and I am not a gambler and I bet you have also met the person that says yes to everything, resulting in them supposedly being in 3 places simultaneously! Each response carries its own set of implications, and striking the perfect balance is a skill crucial for emotional and mental health. The psychology behind saying “yes” and “no” is immense and far more than one article will cover (I will write more on the subject) Remember: Each use of either yes or no, regardless of reason, brings rewards to the issuer   Saying Yes and Meaning It When we say “yes” and mean it, we are opening ourselves up to: Experiences, Relationships, Opportunities Personal growth and Happiness. Saying “yes” is an act of acceptance – it signifies a willingness to participate, to be involved, and to make connections and that can foster magic or mayhem Psychologically, it can manifest as an act of agreeableness and open-mindedness, both of which are integral personality traits that promote positive social interactions.   The Physiological Perspective From a psychological perspective, saying “yes” and meaning it can trigger a release of hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones generate feelings of happiness, pleasure, and bonding. They help us connect better with others and feel more optimistic about life. Dopamine, the ‘feel good’ hormone, is associated with the reward system in our brain. We feel happy and satisfied when we say “yes” to something we truly want to do or experience. Remember: saying “yes” should be a conscious and mindful decision, not a compulsive reaction to external pressure or fear upsetting someone. The inability to say “no” out of fear of rejection or conflict can lead to an unhealthy pattern of behaviour, often characterised by overcommitment, low self-esteem and burnout.   Saying No and Meaning It The power to say “no” and mean it is equally important. Saying no is a crucial aspect of maintaining personal boundaries and ensuring mental well-being. Saying “no” is essentially an act of self-care – it involves setting limits, preserving energy and prioritising one’s own needs. The ability to say “no” corresponds to the psychological concept of assertiveness, which is the ability to express oneself and one’s rights without violating the rights of others. Being assertive means having the courage to express your feelings and standing up for one’s point of view, while also respecting the feelings and beliefs of others. Psychologically, saying “no” and meaning it opens us up to: Maintaining self-esteem Reduces stress. Avoiding situations and tasks that are undesirable, Stopping others from being overbearing or harmful. Remember: saying “no” should be a conscious and mindful decision with all the decision-making information in mind, not a knee-jerk reaction for attention. By saying “no” to such situations, you are, in effect, saying “yes” to your mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the ability to say “no” can be associated with the development of resilience and the promotion of autonomy. Say NO to others and YES to yourself and the opposites for the right reasons. Like saying “yes,” saying “no” also requires balance. Constantly declining opportunities or isolating oneself can lead to missed experiences and potential social disconnection.   The Rewards of Balance Finding the right balance between saying “yes” and “no” and meaning it is an art. It requires self-awareness, an understanding of your own values and motivators, and the courage to express yourself. It requires confidence, decision-making skills, information-gathering skills, a deep connection with your intuition and above all, knowing your worth and value for self and others. Saying “yes” or “no” extends beyond verbal communication. It reflects your psychological state and ability to balance your needs and wants with those of others. By harnessing the power of “yes” and “no” and using them mindfully and assertively, you unlock the potential to lead more fulfilling, balanced, and healthier lives. If you like what you read in the articles, you may like to read one of Julies books on  and on   or listen in to Please subscribe and follow more books being written and episodes being produced 🙂