Sometimes it’s hard to say “no.” We often want to be kind, avoid conflict, or maintain good relationships. But always putting others first can lead to resentment and uncomfortable situations. Many people have learned the power of setting boundaries, and their lives became better once they stopped saying yes to everything.

One woman had a friend who constantly borrowed and ruined her things, so she started refusing to lend her anything. Another person went on a promising date, only for it to turn into a surprise sales pitch. And at the grocery store, a woman asked to cut in line because she “only had a cake.” The person declined, and the woman retaliated by paying with bags of coins, proving that some people will always test boundaries.

Others faced pushy acquaintances and uncomfortable social situations. From job interviews with inappropriate questions to people demanding favors simply because of a profession, saying “no” became a crucial way to maintain self-respect and peace of mind. Even kids can show remarkable boundary-setting skills — like the young girl who calmly blocked a rude online gamer.

Whether it’s refusing unreasonable favors, ending unhealthy friendships, or simply not moving seats on a plane, these moments highlight the importance of standing your ground. Setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first, but it protects your time, energy, and dignity — and often earns long-term respect.