Ever feel like you’re running on empty because you just can’t say no? That’s exactly what happened to Aryan—until his sister stepped in with a reality check. Read how he learned that setting boundaries isn’t rude, it’s self-care on this edition of Feelings Express.

It was one of those weeks when everything seemed to pile up. School assignments, basketball practice, and a history quiz—all screaming for attention. Add to that my bestie Riya asking for help with her science project and my cousin insisting we binge-watch the latest drama series. By the end of the day, I felt completely drained. Like, zero energy left to even think straight.

That night, as I flopped onto my bed, my older sister Aditi noticed something was up. “You okay?” she asked, sitting next to me.

I sighed. “I’m just so tired, Didi. I feel like I can’t keep up with everything. Everyone needs something from me, and I just… I can’t say no.”

Aditi grinned. “Ah, the art of saying no. Guess it’s time you figured it out.

Why saying no feels so tough

The next day, we grabbed some chai, and Aditi shared her wisdom. “Saying no feels hard because we think it’ll hurt people or make us look rude,” she explained. “But here’s the thing—you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you keep saying yes to everything, you’ll end up drained like this all the time.”

Her words hit home. She was right. Saying no didn’t mean I was selfish; it meant I was setting boundaries to take care of myself.

Aditi’s no-nonsense advice

Aditi gave me a step-by-step breakdown of how to say no without feeling like a bad person:

1. Start small
   She told me to practice with little things. “Next time Mom asks you to help with dinner while you’re studying, just say, ‘I can’t right now, maybe later.’” That felt manageable, and I decided to give it a try.
2. Blame the clock
   “Time is always a good excuse,” Aditi said. “If a friend asks for help and you’re swamped, just say, ‘Sorry, I’d love to, but I’ve got too much going on.’” That sounded way less harsh than a flat-out no.
3. Suggest a plan B
   When Riya called asking for a last-minute mall trip, I said, “Not today, but how about Saturday?” Aditi said this trick shows you still care but are prioritizing yourself too.
4. Say It with confidence
   She even made me practice saying no in front of her. “Say it like you mean it, without feeling guilty,” she instructed. “No need to over-explain.”

Putting it to the test

The next week, I tried out Aditi’s tips. When my little brother asked me to play video games while I was finishing an essay, I calmly said, “Not now, maybe after dinner.” He gave me a pout but moved on. Riya asked for help again, and instead of stressing myself out, I used the Plan B method. By the weekend, I noticed something incredible—I actually had time to breathe. I wasn’t as exhausted anymore.

Why saying no is a game-changer

Saying no didn’t make me lose friends or disappoint anyone. Instead, people seemed to understand, and my boundaries started being respected. Most importantly, I felt like I was finally taking care of myself. I had more time for things that mattered to me, whether it was catching up on Netflix or prepping for school without last-minute panic.

The takeaway

If you’re feeling as drained as I was, trust me—it’s okay to say no. Start small, stay confident, and remember, you’re not being selfish. Setting boundaries helps you protect your energy and focus on what really matters.

That night, as I journaled about my week, I felt lighter, calmer, and proud of myself. Aditi was right—saying no is truly an art. And now, I was ready to master it.

Catch you next time,
A recharged, boundary-setting teen.