Saying no should be simple but for many of us, it’s one of the hardest words to get out.
In this episode, therapist Crystal Rodenbaugh joins host Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay to unpack why setting boundaries feels so uncomfortable, and how people-pleasing, shame, and fear of rejection get in the way of healthy communication.
From childhood conditioning to the pressure of wanting to be seen as helpful or “good,” Crystal explains how our instinct to say yes is often less about kindness and more about avoiding discomfort. 
Over time, that pattern erodes identity, creates resentment, and leaves people disconnected from themselves.
The conversation challenges the stigma around boundaries, reframing “no” as an act of self-respect rather than rejection.
Crystal argues, can help people shift this mindset and reclaim their ability to choose authentically.
At its core, the episode is a reminder that saying no doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you whole.
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