The People-Pleaser’s National Anthem – ‘No worries.’

It’s automatic. Someone inconveniences you — maybe they cancel last minute, overstep, or casually dump their chaos into your lap — and out of your mouth floats the sacred phrase: “No worries!”

Let’s be real. You *are* worried. Or annoyed. Or at least mildly inconvenienced. But years of social conditioning, fear of conflict, and a near-professional level of emotional shape-shifting have trained you to smooth it over with a smile.

People-pleasing is a survival strategy. It comes from wanting to be safe, liked, or needed. And while it may have kept the peace in the past, it often comes at the expense of your peace now.

Every 'no worries' you say when you *do* have worries chips away at your capacity to speak honestly. It reinforces the idea that your comfort is less important than someone else’s convenience.

Here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t about being rude. They’re about being real. And honesty doesn’t mean being harsh — it just means you stop sugarcoating your needs like they’re negotiable.

You can start small. “Thanks for letting me know, I’ll need some time to adjust.” Or “That’s not ideal, but I appreciate the heads-up.” Or even just a pause. A breath. A choice not to rush in and fix.

You’re not a bad person for not bending. You’re not selfish for needing something different. And you sure as hell aren’t ‘too much’ for asking others to treat you like you matter.

So the next time you feel that 'no worries' rising in your throat — ask yourself if you mean it. If you don’t, you’re allowed to say something else. Or say nothing at all.