When was the last time you were pressured into doing something you didn’t want to do? Maybe the answer is all the time.. If you can’t remember when the last time was that either means you don’t let pressure get the better of you or you possess the power to say ‘No’. Have you every met someone who can be deceivingly friendly and diabolically natured? If you have, I am sure you have kept a forced smile on your face while you were speaking to them.. It is a two-way game which involves the same strategy: Pretending. One part is pretending to be interested while the other pretends back demanding care and attention.

The power to say No

Surely, we have to learn at some point in life to say ‘No’. Saying ‘No’ to the wrong friendships we have and to the decisions that others have made for us..  Even if we are saying it to the people dearest to us, we should learn to put our feelings first for our own serenity. Human nature is programmed to be selfish at times. It is for this reason that we need to be wary of the intentions of the people around us..

I propose the counteractive 3 W’s : Will, Want, Walk

First, have the will to make a decision that suits you, not them or the situation. Yes, push yourself to think about your own desires.. Second, you need to want to not pretend. Remember, it takes more effort to put on a fake smile than let out a real giggle. Lastly, walk away.. Walk away from all the imitation.. Walk away from the power, pressure and persuasion of your surroundings.. Just see who will be there to walk away with you.. The people who will be the ones who understand the importance of real friendships…

Winding back the clock isn’t possible. However, making the most of your seconds is.. Don’t let anything get to you.. this doesn’t mean block all your emotions.. It just highlights the importance of taking care of yourself..

Live to self-indulge..