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28 Boundary Quotes To Say No Without Feeling Bad

Stop pressuring yourself to say yes when all you want to say is no. These boundary quotes will help you to say no unapologetically.

At first glance, it might seem strange to not be able to say no. But for many people, myself included, this two-word sentence can be difficult to spit out.

In our culture, kindness is a virtue. And we praise those who go above and beyond to help others. Turning down someone who needs a helping hand? That must be an evil person.

But is it? If you ever struggle to decline requests, these say-no quotes will be a perfect reminder.

Why is saying no so hard? – The nice person syndrome

We struggle to say no for different reasons. Yours may be one of the following:

  • Fear of damaging your image

You want to be helpful, cooperative and kind. So you feel reluctant to turn others down. Deep down, you are trading your time and energy for approval.

  • Fear of conflict

Harmony is everything for you. In no way do you want to get into drama or fight. So you say yes to requests even when you don’t feel comfortable.

  • The desire to prove your worth

Your boss asks you to take up a new project that is not your job. Because you don’t want him to portray you as incompetent or lazy, you unwillingly obliged.

  • Not wanting to hurt others’ feelings

You are kind and generous, and it hurts to disappoint others. So you cover a coworker’s shift, drive a friend to the airport, or look after an ex’s dog – none of which is your responsibility.

These reasons can be summarized as the “nice person syndrome”. 

In other words, if you are a jerk that don’t care about what others think of you, you are immune. Once we feel pressured to fulfill the expectations of others, we are exposed to manipulation.

If that sounds like you, the following boundary quotes will help you to say no without feeling guilty.

Boundary quotes that will help you to say no

What is boundary - Be aware of what is unacceptable and normalize saying no

Being aware
Of what is
Unacceptable and
Normalize saying no
Do what is best for you
And know that it’s not your
Responsibility to please others with
Your time and energy

You are not selfish to stop doing what is best for them and start doing what is best for you.

Don't say maybe if you want to say no.  - Paulo Coelho

Don’t say maybe if you want to say no.
– Paulo Coelho

You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no

You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no.

Things you don't need to apologize for - boundary quotes that will help you to say no

You don’t need to apologize for:
Doing what’s best for you
Speaking up for yourself
Saying no to what you don’t want
Not explaining your decisions

Real freedom is saying “no” without giving a reason.
– Amit Kalantri

You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.
– Anna Taylor

You don't own anyone anything.

You don’t own anyone anything.

Every excuse you make is like an invitation to ask you again in a different way.
– Kelly Corriga

If something is not a "hell, YEAH!", then it's a "no!" - James Altucher

If something is not a “hell, YEAH!”, then it’s a “no!”
– James Altucher

“No” is a complete sentence.
– Annie Lamott

Note to self: A request is not an obligation.
– Brian Schwartz

What’s helped with saying no to others is asking myself first if I’m saying yes out of guilt or fear. If so, then it’s a polite no.
– Neil Strauss

When others are not ok with your NO’s, they should not be allowed around for the YES’s either.
– Christine E. Szymanski

It's only by saying NO that you can concentrate on the things that are really important. - Steve Jobs

It’s only by saying NO that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.
– Steve Jobs

Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.
– Josh Billings

Your boundary is only a problem for those who don't know how to respect you.

Your boundary is only a problem for those who don’t know how to respect you.

If you feel sorry about saying no, think about what they will say when you ask for the same nonsense favor.

Want to know if some people are toxic? Say no and watch how they react.

Want to know if some people are toxic? Say no and watch how they react.

Read also: 43 Toxic relationship quotes to leave for good

You don’t have to accept the things you are not ok with.

There's a difference between being mean and standing up for yourself.

There’s a difference between being mean and standing up for yourself.

Not saying no is a form of saying yes.

Sometimes silence is not the best response. Stand up for yourself.

Others’ opinion is not your problem.

What you allow is what will continue.

What you allow is what will continue.

Be cautious about whom and what you give power to.

Givers need to set limits because takers rarely do. - Rachel Wolchin

Givers need to set limits because takers rarely do.
– Rachel Wolchin

Your silence gives consent. – Plato

The only word to add to a "No" is "thanks".

The only word to add to a “No” is “thanks”.

Why is saying no so important?

“No” is more than a two-letter word. It’s a textbook of what you allow and don’t. Here are some of the reasons why we should all learn to say no:

  1. You have more time for the things and people that matter.
  2. You don’t need to worry about not meeting others’ expectations.
  3. Kindness without boundaries often leads to resentment.
  4. By saying no, you get to know who respects you and who only tries to manipulate you.

Read also: 5 steps to set healthy boundaries and reclaim your life

Which of these say no quotes relates to you the most?

How do you handle it when you are asked to do something you don’t want to? Share in the comment!