How to Stop Taking Things Personally

Not every offer is an attack. Sometimes it’s just cake — and you’re allowed to say no without losing your mind.

You know that moment when someone offers you a slice of cake? You get to decide. You can say yes or no.

If you say no, most of us don't storm off muttering, "How dare they think I’d want cake? How DARE they assume I like chocolate?!”

We don't call three friends to vent about it. We don't write an angry Yelp review: “One star. Offered me cake.”

No — we just…