Dealing with Guilt– Do you say “Yes” because you can’t say “No?”

Are you dealing with guilt every day? Have you walked away from a conversation thinking that you should have said something else? If only you could have had the guts to say it, or if only you would not have felt embarrassed, guilty or ashamed for even thinking or saying it.

You’re not alone. In fact for many of us, the words “should have” “could have” and “would have”, play an integral role in making us say and behave differently.

So, if your co-workers, family or friends tell you to stand up for yourself and be more assertive, maybe you should listen. Learning how to be more assertive without dealing with guilt or shame, not only increases your self-confidence, but helps with decision-making as well as communication. And most importantly, you are being true to yourself, as well as increasing the respect that others will have for you.

You Have A Right To Say No Without Feeling Guilty

• Ask yourself how you really feel – not how you SHOULD feel.

• Have the discussion when you’re in emotional control.

• Think of what you want to say and organize your thoughts positively
• Make eye contact. You’ll look and sound more assertive.

• Explain how the specific situation makes you feel; use the words “I feel” at the beginning of sentences. If you say, “You don’t ask me what I want to do when you’re making plans” it sounds like an attack. It’s better to express how you feel about it -- “I feel as though my opinion doesn’t count, when you don’t ask me what I want.” No one can blame you for expressing how you feel.

• Be honest and direct regarding your intentions, goals and feelings.

• If a demand is unreasonable, say so -- but do not offer an excuse or an apology for saying ‘no’. You’re entitled to say ‘no’ if that’s how you feel.

Communication is the Key to Assertiveness

The benefits are greater than that. You’ll feel more confident and in control. You’ll increase your self-respect in the eyes of others, and best of all, you’ll say goodbye to guilt and shame.

Q&A

Q

My partner and I are both 52. He has been a substance abuser (occasional cocaine) until recently (clean 6 months). He has been through rehab (and AA) twice.

He agreed to join a program, but didn't.

Although he's cleaned up his act, he abuses alcohol. He gets ugly when he drinks more than 3 drinks. He is a musician, and gets free drinks when he plays. A lot of his self-esteem is based on his identity as a musician, so for sure he won't find another job.

I was never involved with a substance abuser or alcoholic until now. My dad was an alcoholic, and mom took us to Al Anon when I was a teenager. I'm very aware that substance abuse is about the user's underlying issues. But my problem is with enabling.

When does being a designated driver become

enabling? When I drive, he is more likely to lose it.

Therese

A

When you are a designated driver for someone who is an alcoholic, you're allowing the person to 'let go' -- past the legal limit. In the case of your partner, you're enabling – you’re giving an alcoholic the permission to get drunk.

Tell him that you'll gladly drive at any time, but not if any alcohol is involved. Be prepared for an argument, but hold your ground

Have a question?.

What have you done with a dysfunctional child?

Give advice on codependency. What's your experience?.

This story was chosen as a featured story of the month.

Everyone has a story. Tell yours Telling your story helps you by getting it off your chest, but it also helps others by reading it -- and of course you can be anonymous if you like.

On The Site

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Next Month

Self-sabotage. Why do we do it. Get tips to stop.

Thanks for your input and keep those questions and suggestions coming.

Bev

Return from Dealing With Guilt to Stop Being Addicted

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