🌿 Anxiety Journal Prompts: People-Pleasing & Fear of Saying No
- Christi Young 
- Jun 26
- 1 min read
- What do I fear might happen if I say "no" to someone I care about? (Is it rejection, disapproval, or feeling unlovable?) 
- When did I first learn that saying “yes” keeps people happy—and possibly keeps me safe? (Explore early experiences or family dynamics.) 
- How does it feel in my body when I’m about to say “no”? (Where do I feel tension, pressure, or fear?) 
- Have I ever said “no” and the relationship didn’t fall apart? What happened instead?(Build evidence against the fear.) 
- What am I afraid people will think of me if I set a boundary or express a need? (Try to name specific fears: selfish, difficult, etc.) 
- What kind of relationships do I actually want? (Do I want to be loved for my “yes,” or for my authenticity?) 
- Who in my life honors my “no” without making me feel guilty? (What do I notice about these relationships?) 
- How do I feel about myself after saying “yes” when I wanted to say “no”? (Resentment? Exhaustion? Anxiety?) 
- What is one small, safe boundary I could practice today? (Start small—declining a favor, taking a break, pausing before replying.) 
- If someone leaves because I expressed a boundary, what does that say about the relationship? (Was it really secure to begin with?) 

























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