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As women we give in too much, and say yes just because it's expected of us. Oh, sacrifice! But you only live once, and it's time we stop.
As women we give in too much, and say yes just because it’s expected of us. Oh, sacrifice! But you only live once, and it’s time we stop.
The first time, when she said “Yes” but wanted to say “No”, she was just six years old. She said it to stop her baby brother crying who wanted to have her favourite teddy to play and keep it with him, and because she was a girl so she was supposed to adjust with the situation at that tender age.
Since then, she had no idea that this would become a part of her life.
Gradually as years passed by she realized that it had become an essential thing for her to say “Yes” in every matter, whether she wanted to or not.
She was the eldest daughter of the family. She completed her studies and pursued her dream job. Suddenly, at the high peak of her career, again she had to say the word “Yes” to get married to an unknown person for the sake of her parents’ happiness.
Now in the new, unfamiliar environment (as it was an arranged marriage), she even didn’t know her husband’s nature well. She was trying her best to fit in with the new family with her pretty smile, serving them with early morning breakfasts to late night dinners. She was really very happy as she thought that she had now quit her old bad habit…. but just then she had to again say “Yes” for the adjustments and so called sacrifices from quitting job to maintaining her in-laws rules and regulations.
It would hurt her deep inside; the self respect she carried with her was crushed many times, again and again, but she constantly said “Yes” to keep her marriage safe, alive, and peaceful.
This is the story of almost every woman who is either a mother, a wife, or a daughter in law.
Why do we not say “No” when we don’t want to do the thing that the other wants us to?
Why do we adjust and try to fit in the situation before us, when our inner self does not agree with that?
Why do we keep calm and not yell or cry when we want to, so hard?
When we were kids, did we think twice before saying no to what was asked of us if it went against our choices in anything regarding? Even if it was a favourite food or a balloon we wanted, it had to be of our choice…then why not now?
Are we living this life to entertain and please everyone, in a world full of selfish people or living it for us? It’s our moral duty to first take ourself into consideration as a priority.
Because – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – You only live once!
Image source: a still from the movie Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa laga
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If you want to get back to work after a break, here’s the ultimate guide to return to work programs in India from tech, finance or health sectors - for women just like you!
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