Why is saying NO so hard? In this Core Conversations episode, therapist Crystal Rodenbaugh and host Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay dive into the fear of rejection, shame, and people-pleasing that keeps so many of us from setting healthy boundaries.

We explore:

- Why we’re afraid of saying no

- How people-pleasing takes over when we lose our boundaries

- The connection between shame, rejection, and identity

- Why saying “no” is not rejection but self-respect

- How therapy can help you find freedom in boundaries

If you’ve ever said “yes” when you wanted to say “no,” this conversation will help you rethink what boundaries really mean. Saying no doesn’t make you bad — it makes you whole.