Yes. No. I mean – maybe? Well, okay. Have you ever wanted to be able to say "no" without feeling guilty? Without feeling you're letting someone down? Many of us struggle with disappointing anyone with a 'no.' At the same time, those two letters, n-o, can be freeing.

If you’re managing a food allergy, the ability to say no is a powerful skill that can ultimately give you the power to avoid situations that may be dangerous to you or someone you care for. By forgoing occasions that may endanger you or your loved one, you are choosing safety and self-care over pleasing others. It becomes easier to say “no” with practice.

There are a variety of ways to say no and set boundaries with friends and family with no hard feelings. How do you say “no” to others? Are you direct? Do you provide rain checks?

Here are some conversations about this topic from the community:

• "If I refuse to go, I will be criticized about refusing to go anywhere or do anything because of what I can't eat."
• “I’ve been working my way up to cutting them off for good, but hadn't quite done it.”
• “I finally identified that irritating member of my close family that disregards the severity of my allergies.”
• “I can't eat anything so I don't bother going anymore.”

When has saying no been a form of self-care for you?
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